Job objectives and responsibilities

The Risk-Based Deployment Manager in retail security is responsible for optimising the deployment of security resources, such as personnel, technology, and procedures, based on dynamic risk assessments across the retail estate. This role focuses on ensuring that security coverage is aligned with risk exposure, incident trends, and business priorities. The manager uses data and intelligence, working alongside the Data and Insights Manager to drive deployment strategies that protect people, property, and profit, while balancing cost-effectiveness.

The role demands strong analytical capabilities, operational planning experience, and collaboration with field teams, security vendors, and cross-functional departments including loss prevention, data analytics, and operations.

Key Responsibilities:

·        Ensure security resources, such as manned guarding, mobile response units, and surveillance are deployed based on the specific risk profile of each store or region. This includes using intelligence and data to prioritise high-risk locations, adapting coverage dynamically in response to emerging threats, and maintaining a consistent risk-based framework for deployment decisions.

·        Support the clients broader loss prevention strategy by enabling effective deterrence and rapid response to theft, fraud, violence, and anti-social behaviour. By targeting high-risk areas and periods with increased security coverage, your strategies will contribute directly to reducing overall incident rates and improving store safety.

·        Maximise Efficiency and Return on Investment (ROI). Use data to eliminate inefficiencies in deployment—such as over-resourcing low-risk stores or under-protecting high-risk ones. Your objective is to deliver the best possible protective outcomes within budget, ensuring that every security pound or dollar spent provides measurable value and impact.

·        Build a flexible deployment model that allows for rapid adjustments during seasonal trading peaks (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas), special events, new store openings, and sudden changes in local threat levels. Your objective is to ensure the contract is always prepared and protected, even in changing or uncertain conditions.

·        Drive Insight-Led Decision-Making Across the contract by leveraging data and intelligence to inform and influence wider security and operational strategies. You'll provide senior stakeholders with clear, actionable insights that help shape resourcing priorities, technology investments, and long-term security planning.

·        Act as the strategic link between internal teams (such as Operations, Loss Prevention, and Analytics) and third-party suppliers (e.g., guarding and security technology providers). Your goal is to ensure alignment, accountability, and excellence in the execution of deployment plans across all levels of the contract.

Main duties

·        Conduct continuous and localised risk assessments using data on crime rates, shrinkage, incident history, and store profiles.

·        Incorporate both quantitative data (e.g., shrink reports, threat levels) and qualitative intelligence (e.g., store manager input, regional security concerns).

·        Design and implement risk-based deployment strategies for manned guarding, mobile response, CCTV monitoring, and other security assets.

·        Develop scalable deployment models based on risk tiers, seasonal demand, and emerging threats.

·        Track the effectiveness of deployed resources in mitigating risk and reducing incidents.

·        Use KPIs to adjust and improve deployment strategies in real time.

·        Partner with field security teams, store operations, data analysts, and third-party suppliers to coordinate deployment activities.

·        Act as a key point of contact for senior stakeholders on deployment strategy and performance.

·        Ensure that deployment plans are cost-efficient while maintaining security standards.

·        Identify areas of over- or under-protection and recommend resource reallocation.

·        Provide regular reports on deployment coverage, incident trends, and risk mitigation impact.

·        Present complex risk data in a clear, actionable format for business leaders.

Person Specification

Essential:

·     Proven experience in security, loss prevention, or risk-based deployment within a retail or multi-site environment.

·     Demonstrable track record of using data, risk intelligence, or analytics to inform operational decision-making.

·     Experience managing third-party vendors and coordinating cross-functional teams.

·     Operational understanding of manned guarding, CCTV, and electronic security solutions.

·     Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.

·     Sound understanding of risk-based deployment strategies and principles.

·     Proficient in Excel and reporting tools such as Power BI, or equivalent.

·     Excellent planning, prioritisation, and organisational abilities.

·     Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at all levels.

·     Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal.

·     Highly organised with strong attention to detail.

·     Proactive, solutions-focused, and able to work independently.

·     Comfortable in a fast-paced, ever-changing retail environment.

·     Strong commercial awareness and cost-conscious mindset.

·     Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to build relationships across diverse teams and functions.

·     Resilient and calm under pressure, with sound judgment in high-stakes situations.

Desirable Skills and Experience

·        Experience in dynamic resource allocation or workforce planning in a large-scale organisation.

·        Exposure to crime data analysis or threat intelligence tools.

·        Familiarity with retail shrinkage metrics, store audit processes, and compliance frameworks.

·        Working knowledge of incident management and investigation procedures.