Loss Prevention Security Specialist

PAQ•Lodi, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Loss Prevention Security Specialist (LPSS) helps protect store property and prevent financial losses caused by theft while supporting overall store safety and security. The role provides a visible security presence, promotes a secure shopping environment, and works closely with loss prevention personnel and store leaders. It calls for vigilance, integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to resolve challenging situations professionally. The LPSS is primarily stationed at or near the store’s front doors and conducts patrols throughout the store. The role interacts with customers and community members, observes and addresses suspicious behavior, deters theft and escalations, and recovers merchandise from potential shoplifters in a safe, service-oriented manner. The specialist also works with store management, employees, loss prevention personnel, and law enforcement to report and resolve incidents, follows loss prevention policies and procedures, and prepares daily activity summaries. The work is primarily indoors in a climate-controlled, adequately lit and ventilated store, but may occasionally involve outdoor duties in all weather conditions. Hours vary and may include flexible scheduling, weekends, and holidays as needed. The company provides uniform tops and a badge; employees provide approved-color, non-ripped jeans or khakis and approved close-toed shoes with adequate grip. Maintaining safety and following health and safety guidelines, including using required personal protective equipment, are essential. The role may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts and cleaning chemicals, varying noise levels, and interactions with difficult or confrontational individuals. First Aid/CPR training or certification may be provided, along with potential resources such as wearable technology.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of experience in a retail and/or security environment.
Understand retail or grocery store operations, including sales and customer service skills.
Familiarity with local, state, and federal laws regarding theft, fraud, and retail security.
Ability and willingness to receive ongoing training and professional development.
Ability to detect suspicious activity and identify potential security risks.
Strong attention to detail and good decision-making abilities.
Ability to calmly and effectively de-escalate potentially volatile situations, mediate conflicts, and resolve issues.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including diplomatic interaction with suspects, customers, and employees and the ability to write reports.
Ability to make sound decisions quickly under pressure and in ambiguous situations.
Strong integrity and ethics, including appropriate handling of confidential information and decisions reflecting company values.
Ability to adapt to changing situations, handle multiple incidents simultaneously, and work effectively in a dynamic retail environment.
Ability to move around the store and stand for long periods; walk, climb stairs, and navigate crowded spaces.
Ability to occasionally lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Visual acuity to observe suspicious activities and auditory acuity to detect sounds indicative of theft or emergencies.
Manual dexterity to operate security equipment and perform tasks such as writing reports.
Physical stamina to patrol store premises and ability to bend, stoop, and reach as needed.

Responsibilities

Maintain a visible presence at the front of the store to deter shoplifting, vandalism, and other suspicious activity.
Greet customers entering the store, interact with community members, and de-escalate incidents.
Conduct regular store patrols, observe and report suspicious behavior, address concerns, deter theft and escalations, and interact with community members in a service-oriented manner.
Recover merchandise from potential shoplifters safely and in a service-oriented manner.
Collaborate with and assist loss prevention personnel, store management, employees, and law enforcement to report and resolve theft and escalated incidents.
Implement and maintain loss prevention policies and procedures, adapting strategies to minimize risks.
Prepare and deliver daily summaries of incidents, interactions, merchandise recoveries, and other safety-related activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.