Security Guard

Job Description: Security Officer – Busy Shopping Centre

Job Title: Security Officer

Location: Shopping Centre, Bradley Stoke, Bristol

Working Pattern: 4 days on, 4 days off

Hours: As per shift rota

Reports To: Site Facilities Manager

SIA Licence: Valid SIA Door Supervisor or Security Guarding Licence, as required for the duties

Job Purpose

To provide a professional, visible and proactive security presence within a busy shopping centre, ensuring the safety and security of customers, tenants, staff, contractors and visitors.

The Security Officer will help prevent crime, deter antisocial behaviour, protect the shopping centre's property and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. The role requires excellent customer service, strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with challenging situations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Security and Patrols

Carry out regular internal and external patrols of the shopping centre, including the mall, entrances, exits, car parks, service yards and other designated areas.

Maintain a visible security presence to deter theft, antisocial behaviour, vandalism and other criminal activity.

Monitor access points and challenge suspicious activity in accordance with site procedures.

Identify and report security risks, hazards, damage or suspicious behaviour.

Ensure that fire exits, emergency routes and access points remain clear and unobstructed.

Monitor CCTV systems where trained and authorised to do so.

2. Customer Service and Public Assistance

Provide a friendly, approachable and professional service to customers and visitors.

Assist members of the public with directions, general enquiries and requests for help.

Support vulnerable individuals, lost children and members of the public who may require assistance, following centre procedures.

Deal with complaints and difficult situations calmly, professionally and respectfully.

Help maintain a welcoming and safe environment, particularly during busy trading periods, weekends and seasonal events.

3. Incident Management

Respond promptly to incidents, alarms, disturbances and requests for assistance.

Deal with suspected theft, shoplifting, antisocial behaviour and trespassing in accordance with company policy, site procedures and the law.

Request police assistance when necessary and cooperate with emergency services.

Complete accurate incident reports, accident reports and daily occurrence logs.

Preserve relevant evidence and CCTV footage in accordance with authorised procedures.

Provide clear handovers to colleagues and management regarding incidents, outstanding issues and security concerns.

4. Health, Safety and Emergency Procedures

Remain familiar with the shopping centre's emergency procedures, including fire evacuations, medical emergencies and security threats.

Assist with evacuations and emergency responses when required.

Report hazards such as spillages, obstructions, damaged equipment and unsafe conditions to the appropriate team.

Maintain awareness of fire safety arrangements and ensure that emergency equipment is not obstructed.

Follow all company health and safety policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Attend required training, briefings and emergency exercises.

5. Tenant and Contractor Support

Maintain professional working relationships with retailers, tenants, cleaning teams, maintenance staff and contractors.

Respond to security-related requests from tenants and escalate concerns to the Security Manager when appropriate.

Monitor contractor access and deliveries in accordance with site procedures.

Report issues involving waste areas, service yards, loading bays and other restricted areas.

Support the centre management team during busy periods, promotional activities and special events.

6. Communication and Reporting

Maintain effective communication with colleagues, the control room and management using approved communication equipment.

Ensure radios and other security equipment are used correctly and kept in good working order.

Complete all required logs, checklists and reports accurately and promptly.

Report any breaches of security, suspicious activity or operational concerns without delay.

Maintain confidentiality and handle personal information appropriately.

7. Professional Standards

Wear the correct uniform and display identification as required.

Arrive punctually and be ready to take over duties at the scheduled start of the shift.

Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude throughout the shift.

Remain alert, vigilant and attentive while on duty.

Never leave an assigned post without appropriate authorisation or relief.

Work effectively as part of a security team and support colleagues when required.

Follow all reasonable management instructions and company policies.

Working Pattern

The position operates on a four days on, four days off (12 hour shift rotation). Officers must be prepared to work the shifts specified on the rota, which may include days, nights, weekends, bank holidays and busy seasonal trading periods, depending on the site's operational requirements.

Due to the nature of the role, officers may be required to stand or walk for extended periods and respond quickly to incidents.

Essential Requirements

A valid SIA licence appropriate to the duties being performed.

Previous security experience, preferably within a shopping centre, retail or other busy public environment.

Good verbal and written communication skills.

A professional, customer-focused approach.

The ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.

Good observation, reporting and incident-management skills.

Reliability, punctuality and a strong sense of responsibility.

The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

A good understanding of health and safety and emergency procedures.

Desirable Requirements

Previous shopping centre or retail security experience.

CCTV monitoring experience, where relevant to the role.

First aid qualification.

Experience dealing with antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and challenging members of the public.

Conflict management and de-escalation training.

Experience using radios, incident reporting systems and security control-room procedures.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

Vigilant and proactive.

Honest, trustworthy and professional.

Approachable and helpful.

Confident when dealing with difficult situations.

Calm under pressure.

Reliable and committed to maintaining high security standards.

Performance Expectations

The Security Officer is expected to contribute to:

A safe and secure shopping environment.

A visible and effective security presence.

Positive customer and tenant feedback.

Timely and accurate reporting of incidents and hazards.

Compliance with site procedures and company policies.

Effective teamwork and communication.

The prevention and appropriate management of security incidents.

Pay: £12.71-£13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 48.0 per week

Work Location: In person