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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect staff and customers while reducing losses in retail stores.
- Company: Join Waterstones, a beloved bookshop chain dedicated to excellent customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a friendly team environment, great discounts, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values your expertise and passion for books.
- Qualifications: Experience in loss prevention or policing, IT skills, and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work across multiple locations in the Southwest of England.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Loss Prevention Investigator to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones in the Southwest of England. Looking after stores across the area including Portsmouth, Plymouth, Exeter, Truro & Basingstoke your role will be to protect staff, customers, property, and the business by ensuring that all physical security equipment is in working condition, following up on all workplace incidents and advising teams how best to respond to incidents that may involve violence. To deliver the Loss Prevention strategy as outlined by the Group Loss Prevention Manager.
What you will be doing:
- To be a field based, security and shrink expert, working to identify potential risks/losses to reduce loss in your given area.
- As the Loss Prevention contact in your designated area, you will give advice and guidance to Regional Managers, Cluster Leaders, Bookshop Managers and Booksellers on all aspects of Loss Prevention.
- To prioritise and visit Waterstones, Foyles, and Blackwells stores in your remit on a needs basis, based on risk to the business.
- You will reduce shrinkage and cash loss by identifying risk in stores and providing solutions, coaching and support to store teams.
- Proactively investigate reported thefts, data, and missing stock to identify and apprehend offenders. Building criminal cases resulting in arrest and prosecution of offenders.
- Use data and instore intelligence and Security Systems to identify and analyse trends and similarities across active cases and collaboratively work with the wider LPI team to glean and share information to identify and prosecute offenders.
- To establish professional working relationships with internal stakeholders, law enforcement and outside agencies to further reduce risk and loss to the business.
- Work in collaboration with Maintenance and Audit teams to ensure compliance and safety standards are consistently met.
- To complete all set tasks within the given timeframe and escalate identified issues in an appropriate and effective manner.
- To undertake other requests and projects as set by the Loss Prevention manager to support the Business Operation.
What we need from you:
- Significant demonstrable experience dealing with shrink and crime resolution within a retail or Policing environment.
- Knowledge of loss prevention policies and practices.
- Knowledge of case building, the criminal justice system and its process, as well as judicial interventions: CBOs, civil recovery methods etc.
- IT literate - Efficient in using a variety of platforms and software, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, In-house transaction monitoring software and intelligence sharing programs.
- Knowledge on data mining best practices, industry standard investigation and interview techniques (PACE, WZ etc) preferable.
- Full UK driving licence.
Person Profile:
- A clear, concise communicator, both written and verbally.
- Approachable and personable.
- Self-motivated.
- Ability to influence at all levels of the organisation, working to win hearts and minds.
- Able to manage own time and prioritise effectively.
- Inquisitive, calm, and professional approach.
- Ability to make decisions as needed with minimal supervision.
- Adaptable and resilient.
- Coachable and values development.
Why work for Waterstones:
At Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again. We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Café W’s, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes. Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one). In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.com. If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Locations
Loss Prevention Investigator employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Loss Prevention Investigator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific loss prevention policies and practices used by Waterstones. Understanding their approach will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Waterstones, especially those in loss prevention roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of data mining best practices and investigation techniques. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're prepared to tackle the challenges of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to influence others and manage time effectively. These skills are crucial for a Loss Prevention Investigator, and sharing relevant stories can make you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Loss Prevention Investigator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in loss prevention, retail, or policing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle shrink and crime resolution effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for loss prevention and how your skills align with the role at Waterstones. Mention your knowledge of loss prevention policies and your ability to communicate clearly with various stakeholders.
Showcase Your IT Skills: Since the role requires proficiency in various software, mention your experience with Microsoft Office and any other relevant platforms. Highlight your ability to use data mining techniques and intelligence sharing programs.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with crime resolution and case building. Be ready to discuss how you would approach specific scenarios involving theft or loss prevention strategies.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Know Your Loss Prevention Policies
Familiarise yourself with the loss prevention policies and practices relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with these policies and how you can implement them effectively in the stores.
✨Demonstrate Your Investigative Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully investigated thefts or shrinkage in the past. Highlight your ability to build cases and work with law enforcement, as this will show your competence in handling sensitive situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Loss Prevention Investigator, you'll need to communicate clearly with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts concisely and confidently, both verbally and in writing, to demonstrate your communication prowess during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think through potential situations you might face in the role and how you would handle them, showcasing your calm and professional approach.
