About Company
Waitrose & Partners is a chain of British supermarkets, part of the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality food, outstanding customer service, and ethical sourcing, we pride ourselves on being more than just a retailer. Our unique partnership model means every employee, or ‘Partner’, has a genuine stake in how our business is run and shares in its success. We are deeply dedicated to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for both our Partners and valued customers. Our proactive security team plays an absolutely vital role in upholding these exacting standards across all our operations, including our bustling Stockbridge store. Joining Waitrose & Partners means becoming part of a company where your contribution is truly valued, where personal and professional growth are encouraged, and where you thrive within a supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking culture.
Job Description
Are you a highly vigilant, meticulously detail-oriented individual with an unwavering passion for maintaining safety and security? Waitrose & Partners, a leading UK retailer and part of the esteemed John Lewis Partnership, is currently seeking a dedicated and proactive CCTV Operator to enhance our security team in the vibrant Stockbridge Market Area of Edinburgh. This is a critical, high-impact role that involves the continuous, proactive monitoring of our store premises, utilising state-of-the-art closed-circuit television systems to effectively identify, accurately document, and promptly report any suspicious activities, potential security breaches, or emerging hazards that could impact our Partners or customers.
As a CCTV Operator, you will truly be at the forefront of safeguarding our environment, playing a pivotal role in ensuring a consistently secure and pleasant atmosphere for everyone. Your daily responsibilities will involve the vigilant observation of multiple camera feeds, swift and decisive responses to various alarms and alerts, and the clear, concise escalation of any incidents to the appropriate personnel, which includes store management, on-site security partners, and emergency services when absolutely necessary. This role transcends mere screen-watching; it is about making a tangible difference in preventing stock loss, ensuring stringent compliance with all security protocols, and actively contributing to the overall wellbeing and peace of mind of everyone within our store. We are specifically looking for an individual with exceptional focus, impeccable communication skills, and the proven ability to remain calm, analytical, and decisive, even under significant pressure. If you are deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of security and aspire to be an integral part of a Partner-owned business that genuinely values its people and their contributions, then we wholeheartedly encourage you to apply for this vital position.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate and continuously monitor complex CCTV systems to ensure comprehensive surveillance of store premises, proactively identifying and documenting any security incidents or suspicious activities.
- Proactively identify and report potential security risks, hazards, or breaches in real-time to relevant management, on-site security partners, and other designated personnel.
- Respond promptly and effectively to all alarms and alerts, coordinating seamlessly with on-site security teams and external emergency services as and when required.
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and legally compliant logs of all incidents, observations, and actions taken, ensuring all evidence (including footage) is properly recorded, categorised, and securely stored.
- Conduct regular, thorough checks on all CCTV equipment to ensure full functionality, immediately reporting any faults, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements.
- Adhere strictly to all data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) and rigorous company policies regarding the ethical handling, viewing, and retention of sensitive footage.
- Assist in providing necessary footage for internal investigations or external law enforcement inquiries, ensuring strict adherence to proper chain of custody procedures.
- Collaborate effectively and transparently with store management, security partners, and other departments to foster a consistently safe and secure shopping and working environment.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 1 year) in a CCTV operator, surveillance, or similar security monitoring role.
- Exceptional observational skills, with an acute eye for detail and the ability to detect subtle anomalies.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain high levels of focus and vigilance for extended periods.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for accurate incident reporting and clear instruction dissemination.
- Proficiency in operating and navigating modern CCTV systems and associated security software platforms.
- Basic IT literacy for effective data entry, report generation, and system navigation.
- Ability to work effectively and remain composed under pressure, making sound, swift decisions in critical situations.
- A strong foundational understanding of security protocols, incident response procedures, and loss prevention techniques.
Preferred Qualifications
- Possession of an active SIA CCTV licence (or a clear willingness to obtain one within a specified timeframe upon employment).
- Previous experience working specifically within a fast-paced retail security or loss prevention environment.
- Current First Aid certification.
- Up-to-date knowledge of local security regulations, data protection laws, and compliance standards applicable in Scotland.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package and a robust pension scheme.
- Generous discount across Waitrose & Partners and John Lewis products and services.
- Eligibility for the annual Partner bonus, reflecting company performance.
- A generous holiday allowance, increasing with service.
- Access to a comprehensive range of exclusive Partner benefits, including leisure, learning, and wellbeing subsidies.
- Significant opportunities for professional development, training, and clear career progression within the Partnership.
- A truly supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment as a valued member of the John Lewis Partnership.
How to Apply
Ready to bring your exceptional vigilance and unwavering dedication to Waitrose & Partners? We wholeheartedly encourage all qualified and enthusiastic candidates to apply by clicking the application link provided below. Please ensure your CV and a compelling cover letter clearly highlight your relevant experience, your commitment to security, and why you are the ideal candidate for this pivotal CCTV Operator role within our Stockbridge team.