An Asset Protection Manager is a professional who is responsible for safeguarding the assets and resources of an organization. They play a critical role in preventing losses, ensuring security, and mitigating risks. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Asset Protection Managers.

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Main Responsibilities of an Asset Protection Manager

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Asset Protection Manager:

Analyze

• Analyze data and trends to identify patterns and prevent losses.

• Analyze trends for irregular activity around voids, discounts and cash variances.

Assess

Assess and recommend insurance coverage for asset protection.

Assist with

Assist with WC / GL incident investigations.

Assume

Assume complete responsibility for building security and safety.

Attend

Attend hearings as required and updates appropriate files with court-related outcomes.

Coach

Coach associates and advises Store / District Leadership Teams when opportunities are noted.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address security concerns.

• Collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to protect digital assets.

• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies during investigations.

Communicate

Communicate with honesty and kindness, and create the space for others to do the same.

Conduct

• Conduct background checks and security screenings for employees and contractors.

• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with security policies.

• Conduct internal theft investigations and interviews in partnership with HR and CIT.

• Conduct risk assessments for new facilities or locations.

• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Confirm

Confirm all retail escalated DC over / short shipments are investigated and resolved.

Coordinate

• Coordinate action plans involving shrink, risk mitigation, and involved in safety.

• Coordinate with external security vendors and service providers.

Create

• Create and enforce security protocols and procedures.

• Create a work environment that encourages creative thinking and innovation.

Develop

• Develop and implement asset protection strategies and policies.

• Develop and maintain relationships with law enforcement agencies and industry peers.

• Develop and reinforce all Asset Protection policies, procedures and programs.

• Develop Division short and long-range plans for security and Asset Protection.

• Develop emergency response plans and conduct drills.

• Develop Talent – Builds a diverse and high performing team.

• Develop, update and maintain policy documents, training materials and newsletters.

Drive

Drive Performance - Holds self and others accountable to a higher standard to achieve results.

Empower

Empower the team to make critical decisions.

Encourage

Encourage the expression of new ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism.

Ensure

• Ensure all asset protection and security related systems are maintained & leveraged appropriately.

• Ensure all CCTV and access control equipment.

• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Ensure security, policies and procedures are being followed throughout the company.

• Ensure the facility is a safe a secure environment through a vast assortment of processes.

• Ensure timely and proper execution of audits.

Execute

Execute tasks in an efficient manner.

Foster

Foster connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships.

Identify

• Identify and address vulnerabilities in supply chain processes.

• Identify security problems, concerns in assigned locations.

Implement

• Implement loss prevention strategies to minimize financial losses.

• Implement shrink reduction strategies and initiatives for targeted shrink stores.

Improve

Improve associate awareness at store rallies and department meetings.

Initiate

• Initiate and manage reviews to CONTRA credit by creative programs.

• Initiate investigations related to theft, policy infractions and management concerns.

Integrate

Integrate fun and joy as a way of being and working, aka don't take yourselves too seriously.

Interview

Interview and hire Asset Protection talent for the store.

Investigate

Investigate incidents of theft, fraud, or other security breaches.

Lead

Lead with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate records of incidents, investigations, and security measures.

• Maintain and develop a detailed security program in response to high risk or shrink results.

• Maintain confidentiality in matters involving security and / or personnel issues in the workplace.

• Maintain formal and informal channels of communication though the organization.

• Maintain incident reporting system and tracking (LPMS).

• Maintain relationship with local law enforcement.

• Maintain staffing levels, quickly fill open.

Make

Make recommendations for improvement.

Manage

• Manage and allocate budgets for security and asset protection initiatives.

• Manage and submit required reports to corporate and division senior management.

• Manage claims and receiving operations by ensuring proper policies and procedures are followed.

• Manage execution of 3rd party guard resources.

• Manage other 3rd party contactors as assigned.

• Manage physical security measures, such as locks and alarms.

• Manage the 3rd party security team to ensure physical security and merchandise protection standards.

Monitor

• Monitor and analyze security systems, including CCTV and access control.

• Monitor and respond to alarm systems and emergency notifications.

• Monitor corrective action.

• Monitor criminal cases, appear in court and testify as warranted.

• Monitor development and performance of Division Asset Protection personnel.

Oversee

• Oversee Asset Protection associate disciplinary problems.

• Oversee Federal wage and hour compliance.

• Oversee safety and asset protection programs and processes in the across multiple stores.

• Oversee the daily Asset Protection operations for the Pottsvile Fulfillment Center.

• Oversee the development and implementation of security training programs.

• Oversee the installation and maintenance of security systems.

Perform

• Perform audits in retail stores, prepare and submit required reports for management review.

• Perform special projects at the direction of the Regional Asset Protection Manager.

Prepare

• Prepare and present reports on security metrics and incidents.

• Prepare detailed and accurate reports in a timely manner.

Present

Present facts at unemployment, EEOC and union hearings as appropriate.

Prioritize

Prioritize tasks based on impact to sales, profit or customer experience.

Promote

Promote the Exception Reporting System to ensure compliance with goals and objectives.

Protect

• Protect company assets to include, property against theft, illegal entry and illegal activities.

• Protect customers, associates and company property.

Provide

• Provide comprehensive training to management and crew members.

• Provide expert testimony in designated civil or criminal litigation.

• Provide feedback and stretch assignments to foster growth.

• Provide feedback, visibility and recognition to the team.

• Provide final oversight of audit execution and internal audit readiness.

• Provide guidance and support during crisis situations.

• Provide leadership shrink visibility to DC cycle counts initiatives monthly.

• Provide positive / proactive leadership, and instruction in the area of Security / Asset Protection.

• Provide supervision and development opportunities for associates by hiring and training.

• Provide supervision to Division stores.

Recover

Recover stolen merchandise and apprehend shoplifters and other people who commit any criminal act.

Report

Report investigation findings to Human Resources and Legal departments for disposition.

Respond to

Respond to Confidential Tip line - investigate and react accordingly w / HR and senior management.

Review

• Review and evaluate work of subordinates, recommends promotions and / or salary increases.

• Review, challenge and analyze all expenses and vendor costs to competitive price points.

Stay updated on

Stay updated on industry trends and emerging security technologies.

Supervise

Supervise the Asset Protection teams on three.

Support

• Support and contribute to the Supply Chain network priorities of ‘Safety, Team, Results'.

• Support truck yard management efforts and expectations for location.

Train

Train and educate employees on security awareness and best practices.

Work with

• Work closely (partnership) with Division Operations and staff.

• Work with sales support to assure shortage control processes are followed.

• Work with the Lease / Multi-Brand Retail locations and standardize Brand Protection.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Asset Protection Manager:

1. Proficiency in security systems and technologies.

2. Knowledge of physical security measures and access control systems.

3. Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies.

4. Understanding of investigative techniques and practices.

5. Experience with emergency response planning and procedures.

6. Proficiency in using security management software and tools.

7. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to asset protection.

8. Understanding of loss prevention strategies and techniques.

9. Familiarity with surveillance and monitoring systems.

10. Ability to analyze data and trends for risk identification.

11. Experience with security audits and compliance assessments.

12. Knowledge of insurance policies and coverage related to asset protection.

13. Understanding of supply chain security and risk management.

14. Proficiency in incident reporting and documentation.

15. Familiarity with crisis management and response protocols.

16. Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices.

17. Understanding of physical and information security integration.

18. Experience with conducting background checks and screenings.

19. Proficiency in conducting security training and awareness programs.

20. Knowledge of industry standards and best practices in asset protection.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Asset Protection Manager:

1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

2. Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.

3. Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

4. Attention to detail and meticulousness.

5. Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment.

6. Ability to work well under pressure and in challenging situations.

7. Integrity and ethical conduct.

8. Teamwork and collaboration.

9. Effective planning and organizational skills.

10. Strong critical thinking and judgment.

11. Excellent time management and prioritization abilities.

12. Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

13. Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

14. Empathy and understanding in dealing with sensitive situations.

15. Professionalism and a customer service-oriented mindset.

16. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

17. Strong work ethic and self-motivation.

18. Resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.

19. Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.

20. Continuous learning mindset and willingness to stay updated with industry trends.

Conclusion

An Asset Protection Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and protection of an organization's assets. They are responsible for developing strategies, implementing security measures, and mitigating risks. To excel in this role, individuals should possess a combination of technical skills related to security systems, risk management, and compliance, as well as essential soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving. By possessing these skills, an Asset Protection Manager can effectively safeguard the organization's assets and contribute to its overall success.