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Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention supervisor

The differences between loss prevention specialists and loss prevention supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a loss prevention specialist, becoming a loss prevention supervisor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a loss prevention supervisor has an average salary of $76,747, which is higher than the $47,451 average annual salary of a loss prevention specialist.

The top three skills for a loss prevention specialist include customer service, safety program and store management. The most important skills for a loss prevention supervisor are customer service, store management, and operational audits.

Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention supervisor overview

Loss Prevention SpecialistLoss Prevention Supervisor
Yearly salary$47,451$76,747
Hourly rate$22.81$36.90
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs59,0944,508
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4947
Years of experience46

What does a loss prevention specialist do?

A loss prevention specialist is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the store premises from shoplifters and even from employees' suspicious activities. Loss prevention specialists manage the installation of surveillance devices, monitor the daily store operations, and track business and financial transactions from the database. They also coordinate with law enforcement personnel for investigation on theft cases and other related retail complications. A loss prevention specialist must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills, especially on preparing incident reports and apprehending violators.

What does a loss prevention supervisor do?

A loss prevention supervisor develops and oversees loss prevention programs in business establishments, aiming to prevent theft and protect store assets. Their responsibilities include establishing goals and guidelines, managing loss prevention officers and staff, training new members of the unit, and supervising the store's security alarms and systems, including the surveillance cameras. Moreover, they must regularly monitor the performance of staff, gather and analyze data, conduct inspections, and implement safety and security policies and regulations, creating new ones when necessary.

Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention supervisor salary

Loss prevention specialists and loss prevention supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loss Prevention SpecialistLoss Prevention Supervisor
Average salary$47,451$76,747
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $87,000Between $48,000 And $120,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateHawaii-
Best paying companyBooz Allen Hamilton-
Best paying industryAutomotive-

Differences between loss prevention specialist and loss prevention supervisor education

There are a few differences between a loss prevention specialist and a loss prevention supervisor in terms of educational background:

Loss Prevention SpecialistLoss Prevention Supervisor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between loss prevention specialists' and loss prevention supervisors' demographics:

Loss Prevention SpecialistLoss Prevention Supervisor
Average age4947
Gender ratioMale, 72.0% Female, 28.0%Male, 74.7% Female, 25.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 1.2% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage18%10%

Differences between loss prevention specialist and loss prevention supervisor duties and responsibilities

Loss prevention specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
  • Maintain all aspects of store security, including motion cameras and EAS security systems.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the store's alarm system and EAS system.
  • Conduct internal investigations base on POS exceptions reports, known shortages or confidential tips/leads.
  • Review surveillance footage, POS data, and video of clients operations for theft and operational deficiencies.
  • Patrol areas need by management to watch out and see if there is any attempting to steal within the store.
  • Show more

Loss prevention supervisor example responsibilities.

  • Manage all internal, external, and fraud investigations and develop partnerships with law enforcement to coordinate criminal investigations or prosecutions.
  • Conduct surveillance of internal and external threats to profitability using store technology such as CCTV and proprietary case management software.
  • Reduce security budget by implementing more effective scheduling to eliminate overtime and evaluating security vendor access control and CCTV contracts.
  • Prepare detailed comprehensive written and online reports including post accident investigations for insurance companies, OSHA and company reporting systems.
  • Protect company's assets by utilizing state-of-the-art detection and investigation surveillance system, which identify shoplifters and prevent loss of merchandise.

Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention supervisor skills

Common loss prevention specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 48%
  • Safety Program, 15%
  • Store Management, 12%
  • CCTV, 3%
  • Criminal Justice, 3%
  • Emergency Situations, 2%
Common loss prevention supervisor skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Store Management, 15%
  • Operational Audits, 9%
  • Internal Investigations, 8%
  • Patrol, 8%
  • Safety Issues, 4%

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