Full Job Description
Permanent
Based in Leeds, Bradford or York
We are looking for a Loss Prevention Investigator to join our friendly and dynamic team at Waterstones in Leeds. The role involves overseeing stores across Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, York, and Hull. Your responsibilities will include protecting staff, customers, property, and the business by ensuring all physical security equipment functions correctly, following up on workplace incidents, and advising teams on incident response, especially in cases involving violence. You will also implement the Loss Prevention strategy as outlined by the Group Loss Prevention Manager.
What you will be doing
* Act as a field-based security and shrinkage expert, identifying potential risks and losses to minimize shrinkage in your area.
* Serve as the Loss Prevention contact in your designated area, providing advice and guidance to Regional Managers, Cluster Leaders, Bookshop Managers, and Booksellers on Loss Prevention matters.
* Prioritize and visit Waterstones, Foyles, and Blackwells stores in your remit based on risk assessments.
* Reduce shrinkage and cash loss by identifying risks and supporting store teams with solutions and coaching.
* Proactively investigate thefts, missing stock, and data anomalies to identify and apprehend offenders, building criminal cases for arrest and prosecution.
* Utilize data, in-store intelligence, and security systems to analyze trends and collaborate with the wider Loss Prevention Investigation team.
* Establish professional relationships with internal stakeholders, law enforcement, and external agencies to mitigate risks.
* Work with Maintenance and Audit teams to ensure compliance and safety standards are maintained.
* Complete assigned tasks within deadlines and escalate issues appropriately.
* Support other projects and requests from the Loss Prevention Manager to assist business operations.
What we need from you
* Extensive experience in shrinkage reduction and crime resolution within retail or policing environments.
* Ability to travel between stores in your area.
* Knowledge of loss prevention policies, case building, and the criminal justice process.
* IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and specialized investigation software.
* Understanding of data mining, investigation, and interview techniques (e.g., PACE, WZ).
Person Profile
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Approachable, personable, and self-motivated.
* Influential at all organizational levels, capable of managing time effectively.
* Calm, professional, inquisitive, and resilient.
* Decisive with minimal supervision.
Why work for Waterstones
At Waterstones, we prioritize our customers and aim to provide an exceptional shopping experience. We are committed to excellent customer service, whether recommending books, maintaining our stores, or supporting our Café W. Join us and use your expertise to bring the joys of a good bookshop to our customers, including our virtual store.
In return, you'll work in a role that makes a real difference, within a friendly and dynamic team, and enjoy our excellent staff discount both in shops and on waterstones.com.
If you meet the essential requirements and are interested, we would love to hear from you.
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