What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior Investigator-Retail Crime position at WSS / Foot Locker?
Position Overview
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Investigator works closely with various internal and external business partners, including law enforcement, other retailers, Field Asset Protection Area Managers, Supply Chain and Store Managers to leverage all available investigative tools to help eliminate and reduce company exposure to external ORC theft and fraud.
Under the general supervision of the SR. Manager ORC, the ORC Investigator is responsible for the analysis of Asset Protection system data, produced through various software applications and video systems, for possible fraud, procedural violations, and training opportunities pertaining to external theft focused on Organized Retail Crime in an assigned area. The ORC Investigator collaborates with partners, makes independent decisions, provides recommendations, and communicates with a wide variety of business partners and third parties (other retailers and law enforcement) to reduce the impact of ORC on the business and drive profit. This position is to eliminate and reduce risk caused by organized external entities targeting WSS stores for professional shoplifting, large scale fraud and serial violent crime. In this role you analyze critical metrics to identify trends in high-risk product categories and help develop strategies, investigations, and operational recommendations to mitigate external threats to inventory loss and profitability.
This role organizes and classifies all Asset Protection investigations. The role collaborates closely with asset protection teams and operational business partners to identify, analyze, and mitigate shortage risk through investigations as well as proactive measures to minimize opportunity for dishonest behaviors. They are to maintain accurate records, files and submit required reports in a timely manner to appropriate parties.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values, and largest selection of athletic, dress, fashion, and casual footwear for the entire family. Our large store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers.
Founded in Southern California in 1984 by entrepreneur Eric Alon, all WSS stores feature a unique retail format that displays every style and size. This allows customers to browse on their terms, in a hassle-free environment, engaging the friendly and knowledgeable sales staff when they choose. The success of this business model has allowed WSS to continue its rapid expansion into new markets. In September of 2021 WSS was acquired by Foot Locker. WSS currently operates over 150 stores throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
WSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Organized Retail Crime (ORC) Investigator works closely with various internal and external business partners, including law enforcement, other retailers, Field Asset Protection Area Managers, Supply Chain and Store Managers to leverage all available investigative tools to help eliminate and reduce company exposure to external ORC theft and fraud.
Under the general supervision of the SR. Manager ORC, the ORC Investigator is responsible for the analysis of Asset Protection system data, produced through various software applications and video systems, for possible fraud, procedural violations, and training opportunities pertaining to external theft focused on Organized Retail Crime in an assigned area. The ORC Investigator collaborates with partners, makes independent decisions, provides recommendations, and communicates with a wide variety of business partners and third parties (other retailers and law enforcement) to reduce the impact of ORC on the business and drive profit. This position is to eliminate and reduce risk caused by organized external entities targeting WSS stores for professional shoplifting, large scale fraud and serial violent crime. In this role you analyze critical metrics to identify trends in high-risk product categories and help develop strategies, investigations, and operational recommendations to mitigate external threats to inventory loss and profitability.
This role organizes and classifies all Asset Protection investigations. The role collaborates closely with asset protection teams and operational business partners to identify, analyze, and mitigate shortage risk through investigations as well as proactive measures to minimize opportunity for dishonest behaviors. They are to maintain accurate records, files and submit required reports in a timely manner to appropriate parties.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Analyze data, organize crime reports and video to drive investigations related to external theft and fraud in the assigned market.
- Update and log Organized Retail Crime (ORC) investigations in the loss prevention case management tool for the assigned market.
- Manage the 3SI program, including devices, installation, alerts, and tracking.
- Oversee the recovery of company property, including pick-up/delivery, documentation, and inventory adjustments.
- Partner with field and supply chain Asset Protection teams to execute various external investigations, including follow-up and resolution in the assigned market.
- Coordinate criminal reporting between various law enforcement agencies to ensure effective prosecution and restitution recovery in the assigned market.
- Utilize loss prevention case management software to link various incidents and develop ORC cases that span multiple channels in the assigned market.
- Create and organize all ORC training and development programs in the assigned territory.
- Document the detection, investigation, successful resolution, and prosecution of all external investigations in the assigned territory.
- Participate in and represent the company during ORC meetings.
- Develop peer retail investigation partners and identify opportunities to collaborate to mitigate theft and fraud.
- Organize training seminars for Asset Protection Area Managers and Asset Protection Market Leaders through various mediums (in-store, via Teams, etc.).
- Communicate and handle sensitive information responsibly.
- Organize and maintain records of criminal activity affecting WSS through professional shoplifting, organized theft groups, and any criminal enterprise receiving or selling stolen WSS merchandise.
- Please noteThis field-based position allows applicants to work from either the 114/Northbrook or 121/Gessner stores. This is not a remote or work-from-home position. Candidates are expected to work on-site at one of these two locations.
- High School diploma required
- At least 1 year of experience in in loss prevention, law enforcement, or security preferred; Retail environment preferred.
- Proficiency in surveillance methods and the use of CCTV systems
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Exceptional written, verbal, electronic communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and gain support from various partners for successful investigations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including report development to interpret data and present conclusions clearly.
- Works independently and collaboratively, prioritizing effectively to provide productive analyses and solutions.
- Understands law enforcement protocols and maintains evidentiary standards.
- Recognizes external theft risks, patterns, and implements effective prevention strategies.
- Understands and executes physical inventory procedures.
- Detect financial fraud vulnerabilities and conduct thorough investigations.
- Proficient report writing and presenting/managing cases.
- Experience with closed circuit store video systems.
- Willingness to travel regularly.
- Capability to testify in court proceedings.
WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S. doing business in neighborhood-based stores. Consumers trust WSS for the best brands, greatest values, and largest selection of athletic, dress, fashion, and casual footwear for the entire family. Our large store format enables us to showcase thousands of styles from top brands like Nike, Jordan, Vans, Converse, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, etc. In addition, WSS carries high quality private brands augmenting the breadth of selection to deliver amazing value to our customers.
Founded in Southern California in 1984 by entrepreneur Eric Alon, all WSS stores feature a unique retail format that displays every style and size. This allows customers to browse on their terms, in a hassle-free environment, engaging the friendly and knowledgeable sales staff when they choose. The success of this business model has allowed WSS to continue its rapid expansion into new markets. In September of 2021 WSS was acquired by Foot Locker. WSS currently operates over 150 stores throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
WSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
