Retail Area Support Officer

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with over 50,000 colleagues and a turnover exceeding £2bn. We deliver innovative, award‑winning services across facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom

Days of Working: Flexible locations, varied shifts, SIA licence required.

As a Retail Area Support Officer you’ll maintain a safe and secure environment for customers, staff and stock across multiple retail locations. You’ll act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity, deliver excellent customer service and respond effectively to incidents. This mobile role requires flexibility to cover different sites, shifts and operational needs.

• Maintain a strong and visible security presence to deter theft, anti‑social behaviour and other risks.
• Conduct regular patrols across store premises, ensuring safety and vigilance.
• Monitor CCTV and other security systems to identify and respond to suspicious activity.
• Carry out searches in line with company policy and legal guidelines.
• Respond promptly to alarms and incidents and, when necessary, alert management or emergency services.
• Complete accurate and timely incident and observation reports.
• Collaborate with store teams to address security concerns and support loss prevention.
• Provide a professional, approachable presence for customers, staff and visitors.
• Assist with directions, queries and general support as needed.
• Calmly and effectively de‑escalate confrontational situations.
• Adhere to all site‑specific procedures, company policies and legal requirements.
• Support the wider security team and undertake additional duties as directed by the site supervisor or security manager.

• Right to work in the UK.
• Valid SIA licence – Door Supervisor (DS) or Security Guarding.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage challenging situations professionally.
• Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.
• A proactive, reliable and professional approach to safety and service.
• Flexibility to work across multiple locations, including travel between sites.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people, please click Apply and register your interest. You can also sign up to our job alerts; you’ll be notified when other suitable vacancies become available.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Other

• Facilities Services