Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Loss Prevention Coordinator
💰 $50,000 - $75,000
RetailSecurityLoss Prevention
🎯 Role Definition
The Loss Prevention Coordinator is responsible for implementing and managing strategies to prevent theft, fraud, and inventory loss within retail operations. This role conducts investigations, monitors security systems, trains staff, and collaborates with management to enforce policies, ensuring the safety of assets, employees, and customers while maintaining operational efficiency.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Security Officer or Associate
- Retail Team Lead or Supervisor
- Inventory Control Specialist
Advancement To:
- Loss Prevention Manager
- Regional Security or Loss Prevention Director
- Corporate Risk and Compliance Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Risk Management Analyst
- Compliance Officer
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Conduct investigations into incidents of theft, fraud, and policy violations by employees, customers, or vendors.
- Monitor surveillance systems, alarms, and security equipment to identify suspicious activities.
- Collaborate with store management and corporate teams to enforce loss prevention policies and procedures.
- Analyze inventory data and sales trends to identify patterns of shrinkage or operational risk.
- Prepare detailed incident reports, documentation, and evidence for internal review or legal proceedings.
- Conduct internal audits and inspections to ensure compliance with loss prevention and safety protocols.
- Train store employees on theft prevention, safety procedures, and compliance best practices.
- Develop and implement store-level loss prevention strategies and preventive measures.
- Respond promptly to alarms, security breaches, and emergencies in coordination with law enforcement when necessary.
- Track, investigate, and resolve discrepancies in cash handling, POS transactions, and inventory counts.
- Coordinate with law enforcement and legal teams for criminal investigations and prosecution support.
- Monitor compliance with safety regulations, emergency procedures, and workplace security standards.
- Evaluate and recommend improvements to physical security systems, such as cameras, locks, and access controls.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in operations, facilities, and processes.
- Maintain accurate records of investigations, findings, and corrective actions taken.
- Support multi-store or regional initiatives to reduce shrinkage and improve operational compliance.
- Participate in employee interviews, disciplinary actions, and corrective plan implementation when needed.
- Analyze and report on key loss prevention metrics to inform executive decision-making.
- Assist in the development of crisis management and emergency response plans.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on loss prevention policies, vendor compliance, and operational improvements.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc reporting and data analysis related to shrinkage and loss trends.
- Contribute to corporate loss prevention programs and strategic initiatives.
- Assist in training and onboarding new loss prevention team members.
- Participate in internal and external audits to validate compliance and security measures.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Retail loss prevention strategies and theft investigation
- Surveillance monitoring and alarm systems
- Incident reporting and documentation
- Inventory control and shrinkage analysis
- Security system evaluation and risk assessment
- Cash handling and POS transaction review
- Law enforcement and regulatory compliance knowledge
- Emergency response and crisis management
- Data analysis and reporting tools
- Auditing and internal control procedures
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail and observational skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
- Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
- Leadership and team collaboration
- Time management and organizational skills
- Ethical judgment and discretion
- Adaptability in fast-paced environments
- Coaching and training abilities
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or related field
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Criminal Justice or Security Management
- Business Administration or Risk Management
- Law Enforcement or Public Safety
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
2–5 years in loss prevention, retail security, or investigative roles
Preferred:
Experience in multi-store retail environments, with exposure to investigations, audits, and risk management strategies