Retail Investigator

Job description : About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, Fairway Market®, Gourmet Garage®, Di Bruno Bros. ®, and Morton Williams® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

About You

Your contribution

The Retail Investigator is responsible for the total security of an assigned group of stores in their geographic area- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Retail Investigator’s primary focus is to protect assets and prevent losses by utilizing a variety of tools to identify areas of exposure, including, but not limited to : AI Intelligence Monitoring, CCTV review, POS exception-based reporting, technology, and regular surveillances of all shifts, associates and vendor activities at store level.

The Retail Investigator assumes a proactive role in all compliance related initiatives by performing various auditing functions in the following areas : cyber security / environmental compliance / physical security / safety / shrink. In addition, the Retail Investigator will provide training to store level associates on all Asset Protection sponsored technologies and initiatives. It is essential that they also build relationships to facilitate communication with the store management and ownership teams at all of their assigned stores. The Retail Investigator must also be able to manage complex, confidential assignments and produce detailed case reporting- documenting their investigations.

The Retail Investigator will also perform duties assigned during emergency situations, including : labor issues, robberies, power outages, and other business interruptions. In addition, this investigator may have some administrative responsibilities.

The preferred candidate will reside near Stamford, CT.

What you’ll do

• Visit stores during the hours it is open for business. Meet with the manager on duty or their representative and discuss store security concerns. Monitor associates, customers, and vendors for potential theft or fraudulent activity.
• Be at a store prior to the store’s opening and observe their operational activities, physical security, safe management, cash handling, and general opening procedures.
• Be at a store when product is being received. This includes both Wakefern and vendor deliveries. Monitor the receiving procedures to ensure adherence with all best practices.
• Visit the store when it is closed for business and observe night crew activity. Check physical security, including the perimeter of store and parking lot areas.
• Develop and implement store employee purchase procedures at each store and to randomly spot check employee purchases for accuracy.
• Assure that all store detectives employed by the Member owner at assigned locations are Wakefern certified in all aspects of shoplifting and apprehension procedures to maintain a zero-liability environment.
• Perform confidential, complex investigations, possibly not related to their normal responsibilities, as assigned by the Asset Protection leadership team.
• Utilize the Gensuite Case Management platform to generate detailed reporting to document all store visits, investigations, special assignments, or auditing activities
• Regularly monitor POS exception- based reporting and research all transaction activity that has been flagged as high risk by current KPIs.
• Partner with management to provide information and training on Asset Protection sponsored initiatives, including : armed robbery prevention, shrink control, Flim-Flam, SCO theft awareness, shoplifting certifications, and all Asset Protection technology platforms
• Be prepared to take appropriate action when performing their duties, whether during an apprehension or on a special assignment, in a manner that minimizes the risk of injury to themselves or others.
• Perform surveillances as needed utilizing CCTV equipment and / or by employing other methodologies.
• Perform routine safety functions to include Mock OSHA audits, inspections, training of safety committee personnel, and attending store safety committee meetings.
• Conduct detailed security surveys for new store locations and remodeled stores.
• Recruit and manage the selection process for store detectives hired directly by the Member.
• Facilitate new store security design and obtain security-related equipment and systems such as alarms, CCTV, guards, and locksmiths.
• Attend the Wicklander Interviewing Skills workshops for regular and advanced level training in effective interviewing.
• Attend the First Responder training to become a certified First Responder per the National Safety Council requirements.
• Proactively maintain proficiency in all Asset Protection specific technology in their assigned stores, including, but not limited to : Everseen, FaceFirst, Gatekeeper, LaneHawk, Purcheck, SmartShelf, Social Media Monitoring, etc.

What we’re looking for

How you’ll succeed

How you’ll work

Company Perks

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $69,000 - $72,000. Placement in the salary depends on several factors, including experience, skills, education, geography, and budget considerations.

Wakefern is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and professional development of our Associates. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match & annual company contribution, paid time off, holidays, and parental leave. Associates also enjoy access to wellness and family support programs, fitness reimbursement, educational and training opportunities through our corporate university, and a collaborative, team-oriented work environment. Many of these benefits are fully or partially funded by the company, with some subject to eligibility requirements. More information can be found on our Count Me In website.