Retail Loss Prevention Officer job description

Job brief

We are looking for a vigilant Retail Loss Prevention Officer to oversee our security operations and safeguard our inventory assets. In this role, you will be the primary line of defense against retail shrink, ensuring our store remains both profitable and safe for all customers and staff. You will implement advanced loss prevention strategies, manage incident reporting, and collaborate with store leadership to maintain operational integrity. If you are passionate about security, loss mitigation, and maintaining a secure retail environment, we want to hear from you.

What is a Retail Loss Prevention Officer?

A Retail Loss Prevention Officer is a specialized security professional dedicated to identifying, investigating, and mitigating internal and external inventory shrinkage. By leveraging CCTV surveillance, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, and data-driven exception reporting, a Retail Loss Prevention Officer protects company assets and fosters a safe shopping environment. Their expertise is critical in maintaining accurate inventory levels and minimizing financial losses across complex retail footprints.

What does a Retail Loss Prevention Officer do?

A Retail Loss Prevention Officer monitors live video feeds and POS exception reports to identify suspicious activity or operational errors that contribute to store loss. They conduct floor patrols, perform physical audits of high-risk merchandise, and collaborate with local law enforcement or regional security management when investigating internal theft or organized retail crime. Beyond surveillance, they facilitate training sessions for store associates regarding safety protocols and shoplifting prevention techniques to build a proactive culture of awareness.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct floor surveillance to detect and deter shoplifting, using CCTV and internal security protocols to document suspicious behavior.
• Analyze Point of Sale (POS) exception reports to identify patterns of internal fraud, such as fraudulent refunds or unauthorized voids.
• Perform routine audits of high-value merchandise and EAS systems to ensure tags are properly applied and functional.
• Investigate incidents of internal and external theft, maintaining detailed case files and digital evidence logs for potential legal proceedings.
• Train store personnel on loss prevention policies, emergency response procedures, and effective customer service de-escalation techniques.
• Collaborate with regional loss prevention managers to execute safety initiatives and comply with all local, state, and federal retail security laws.
• Manage daily security documentation, including incident reports, witness statements, and evidence logs for corporate compliance tracking.
• Maintain physical security systems, such as alarms and access control panels, to ensure all hardware is operational and secure.

Requirements and skills

• Proven experience in retail security, asset protection, or loss prevention for large-scale retail environments.
• Proficiency in operating CCTV digital video recording (DVR/NVR) systems and electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology.
• Solid understanding of investigative interviewing techniques and evidence handling requirements for legal documentation.
• Knowledge of retail inventory management systems, such as SAP or Oracle, for monitoring and cross-referencing stock shrinkage data.
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Wicklander-Zulawski interview certification is highly preferred for advanced investigation roles.
• Ability to interpret complex operational data and security metrics to identify trends in store-level loss performance.
• Strong conflict resolution skills, including the ability to remain calm and authoritative during tense security or theft situations.
• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement is a significant advantage.

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