The Store Chief Security Officer (CSO) is responsible for leading the Security & Loss Prevention function within the store to safeguard company assets, employees, customers, inventory and cash while minimizing operational losses and shrinkage.
The role provides leadership in security operations, loss prevention, fraud detection, investigations, operational verification, compliance monitoring and emergency preparedness. The CSO partners with Store Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Internal Audit and HR to identify risks, strengthen internal controls and improve profitability through proactive loss prevention initiatives.
The CSO serves as the store\'s primary custodian of operational integrity by ensuring that critical controls relating to receiving, stock movement, sales returns, cash handling and high-risk transactions are consistently verified and complied with.
Key Responsibilities
Security & Loss Prevention Leadership
Lead the implementation of the Group Security & Loss Prevention Strategy within the store.
Develop and execute the store\'s annual Loss Prevention Plan.
Drive initiatives to reduce shrinkage, fraud, theft and operational losses.
Build a proactive Loss Prevention culture across all departments.
Lead and develop the Security & Loss Prevention team to achieve operational excellence.
Conduct daily toolbox talks, shift briefings and operational reviews.
Loss Prevention Operations
Ensure effective implementation of Loss Prevention controls across:
Receiving Operations
Delivery Counter
Cash Office
Shop Floor
Stock Rooms
Wine Section
Electronics
Customer Entrances & Exits
Staff Entrances & Exits
High-value merchandise
Monitor operational risks and deploy preventive controls before losses occur.
Operational Verification
Own the store verification process by ensuring independent verification of:
Purchase Orders
Delivery Notes
Goods Received Notes (GRNs)
Microsoft Dynamics 365 receiving transactions
Stock transfers
Sales returns
Vendor documentation
Loss notes
Inventory adjustments
Daily receiving registers
Cash Office reconciliation reports
High-value merchandise movements
Ensure all discrepancies are investigated and escalated within agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Shrinkage Management
Analyse weekly and monthly shrinkage reports.
Identify key drivers of inventory loss.
Develop corrective action plans with Operations.
Monitor implementation of agreed actions.
Recommend process improvements to reduce future losses.
Report shrinkage trends to the Group Head, Security & Loss Prevention.
Fraud Prevention & Investigation
Lead investigations relating to:
Internal theft
External theft
Vendor fraud
Receiving fraud
Return fraud
Cashier fraud
Stock diversion
Collusion
Document falsification
Operational negligence
Ensure investigations are objective, evidence-based and completed within established timelines.
CCTV & Intelligence Management
Oversee surveillance activities by ensuring:
Critical operational areas are continuously monitored.
Previous day\'s after-hours activities are reviewed before store opening.
CCTV evidence is preserved for investigations.
Intelligence reports are prepared and shared with relevant stakeholders.
Camera downtime is reported and resolved promptly.
Compliance & Governance
Ensure full compliance with:
Company Policies
Loss Prevention SOPs
Security Procedures
Health & Safety Standards
Fire Safety Regulations
Cash Handling Procedures
Receiving Procedures
Stock Movement Controls
Microsoft Dynamics 365 transaction controls
Conduct periodic compliance audits and close identified gaps.
Stakeholder Partnership
Work closely with:
Store Manager
Operations Control Managers (OCMs)
Receiving Team
Finance
Internal Audit
Human Resources
Supply Chain
Information Technology
External Security Service Providers
Law Enforcement Agencies where required
Support operational decision-making through timely security and loss prevention insights.
Team Leadership & Capability Development
Recruit, coach and develop Security & Loss Prevention personnel.
Conduct regular performance reviews.
Implement Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).
Identify succession candidates for key positions.
Build technical capability in verification, investigations and fraud detection.
Reporting & Analytics
Prepare and submit:
Daily Security Reports
Daily Verification Reports
Incident Reports
Weekly Shrinkage Reports
Monthly Loss Prevention Reports
Investigation Reports
Compliance Reports
KPI Dashboard
Risk Register Updates
Provide actionable recommendations based on trend analysis.
Decision-Making Authority
The role is authorised to:
Stop receiving activities where procedures are breached.