About this role
Job details
Posted 29 April 2026
Salary £14.07
LocationEdinburgh
Job type Full time permanent position
Discipline Guarding & Security Officers
Reference010562
Job description
ABOUT ASEL
ASEL design, develop and deliver fully bespoke and integrated security solutions, seamlessly bringing together people, technology and processes to achieve results-driven outcomes. As the original thinkers behind security risk modelling — which has revolutionised the industry — our business is underpinned by a risk advisory practice that utilises data and insight to identify and mitigate risk, inform strategy, prevent crime and reduce cost.
We believe authenticity and transparency are vital to success. Our main objective is to always act with sincerity and integrity, providing a genuinely collaborative service that customers can trust. ASEL is part of the Argenbright Holdings Group, a privately owned $2.2bn organisation founded in 1979 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a heritage in security services across the USA and Europe.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Security Support Team (SST) Officer is a dynamic, mobile security role embedded within the Scotmid Cooperative estate across Scotland. Working as part of a specialist team, you will provide a blend of warehouse-based security duties and proactive store visits — using intelligence, data, and your own initiative to prioritise where your presence is needed most.
This is not a static guarding role. You will be expected to respond to incidents, support staff welfare, deter criminal activity, and build trusted relationships with store management and Police Scotland. You will be a key point of contact during and after serious incidents, including violence, theft, and vulnerability situations.
SHIFT STRUCTURE & DAILY ROUTINE
Officers are based at Hillwood House, Newbridge and operate on a 6 on 3 off, mixture of days and backshifts (no nightshift)
Early Shift (0700–1530) X 1 officers per shift
The early shift commences at base at 0700. Officers begin with onsite duties including personal, vehicle and locker searches, breath tests, high value checks, and internal, external and picking tower patrols. These duties typically take between 30 minutes and one hour, with high value checks often being the most time-intensive element. Officers then receive a briefing from the SST Manager covering intelligence from the previous day and store priorities for the shift.
Officers deploy to stores from approximately 0800, spending one to two hours at each location to provide adequate coverage. Store visits are interrupted only where a call from a store or the ARC requires immediate incident attendance. In store, officers complete daily checks and record all findings on the Guarding on Duty App.
The early shift returns to base between 1430 and 1500 to hand over the pool vehicle for the back shift. On return, officers complete further patrols and grazing checks before the end of shift at 1530.
Mid Shift (1000–1830) X 1 officers shift
The mid shift begins at 1000. Officers complete base patrols and receive their briefing from the SST Manager before deploying to allocated stores approximately 30 minutes after starting. The same store visit disciplines apply — one to two hours per location, with all findings recorded on the Guarding on Duty App and immediate response to calls for assistance from stores or the ARC.
Late / Back Shift (1400–2230) X 2 officers shift
Back shift officers are expected to arrive 10–15 minutes ahead of 1400 to be ready for personal and vehicle searches of on-site staff finishing their duties at 1400. Following searches, officers complete further base patrols before receiving their briefing and deploying to allocated stores around 30 minutes after start time.
Back shift officers follow the same store coverage and recording process throughout the evening, responding to serious calls from stores and the ARC. On return to base, officers complete an external building check and internal patrol before returning pool car keys, driver books, and work phones.
Where issues are identified at base on return, officers will resolve these on site where possible. In some cases this may require remaining on site to await a callback or attendance from an engineer before the shift can be stood down.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Warehouse & Base Duties
Conduct thorough personal, locker, and vehicle searches in line with policy, ensuring respectful and compliant practice
Complete High Value checks to verify restricted stock is secure and accounted for
Carry out internal patrols to identify risks, hazards, or suspicious behaviour
Conduct external patrols inspecting perimeters and access points
Perform picking tower patrols ensuring safety and compliance
Carry out breath alcohol tests confidentially and accurately
Complete post-checks verifying that all secure areas are locked and safe
Store Patrol & Proactive Deployment
Use Power BI, store reports, and prior intelligence to plan daily store visit priorities
Roam between stores providing visible deterrence and reassuring staff presence
Complete in-store DILO (Day in the Life Of) checks, including: ATM checks, fire exit and entry checks, CCTV checks, PIR sensor checks, security tagging checks, Staff Safe checks, smoke cloak area clearance, BWC checks, incident log reviews, and security information poster checks
Report findings and equipment issues via the Guarding on Duty App, escalating to management as required
Provide lock-up support at stores when required
Plan and complete trips to stores further afield to ensure broad estate coverage
Conduct football match operational cover when required
Attend Scotmid community events and represent the organisation professionally
Incident Response & Staff Support
Respond promptly to panic alarms, ensuring staff safety and resetting alarms in coordination with the ARC
Attend stores following serious incidents including violence, threats of violence, and vulnerability situations
Proactively call stores after reports of serious incidents to offer support and follow-up
Speak with affected staff to understand events, review CCTV footage, and liaise with Police Scotland
Compile accurate and detailed incident reports for all attended incidents and distribute to relevant stakeholders
Gather follow-up visit plans and staff shift information to schedule ongoing welfare support
Signpost staff to the Grocers Aid programme and other support resources where appropriate
Provide confidential support to staff dealing with personal issues arising from incidents
Provide escorts home for staff where safety concerns have been identified
Crime Deterrence & Offender Management
Detect suspicious behaviour proactively and intervene at the earliest opportunity
Deter criminal behaviour through visible presence and confident engagement
Safely detain violent or non-compliant offenders using minimum necessary force in accordance with training
Assist Police Scotland when attending stores for incidents
Attend Police patrols as part of joint community safety initiatives
Training & Staff Development
Train store staff on Body Worn Camera (BWC) use and activation procedures
Train store staff on People Safe personal safety devices
Train store staff on Staff Safe unit operation
Provide ongoing guidance and support to store colleagues on security best practice
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid SIA Licence (Door Supervisor or Security Guard)
Full UK Manual Driving Licence — a company vehicle will be provided
Minimum 1 year of frontline security guarding experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to handle conflict situations professionally and proportionately
Confident using digital devices — tablet and phone usage required daily
Smart, professional appearance at all times
Ability to provide a full 5-year checkable work history or back-to-school history
Right to work documentation must be produced at interview
DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE
Previous experience in a mobile or retail security role
Familiarity with Body Worn Camera systems
Experience using Power BI or similar reporting/intelligence tools
Experience liaising with Police or other statutory agencies
Experience providing staff welfare support following serious incidents
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
All SST Officers receive a comprehensive onboarding and training programme. In addition to SIA licensing requirements, ASEL provides:
ASEL Task Training Includes:
Task training and incident reporting
Body Worn Camera operation
Information and Cyber Security Awareness
Data and Personal Information Security / UK GDPR
Stress Awareness, Health & Safety Essentials
Report Writing and Equality & Diversity
Environmental Awareness
Conflict Management, ACT Security, and ACT Counter Terrorism
Safety De-escalation
You must have a current SIA Guarding or SIA Door Supervisor licence to apply for this role
Due to the large number of applicants that we receive if you have not been contacted within 14 days of your application please assume that you have been unsuccessful
Mission, core values & competencies:
Embracing the company’s core values and principles in order to achieve the overall mission of the organisation. Take personal responsibility for own career development by continually assessing and adjusting personal performance and behaviour against the objectives agreed in your ASEL Group Development Plan.
Equality & Diversity
ASEL values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes, and abilities.
ASEL is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence through inclusion, equality, diversity, leadership, and management.
Responsibilities & Requirements
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.
The above information is not exhaustive, and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be required within the scope of the position and your capabilities.
All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the position.
Benefits:
Perkbox recognition - rewards and discount platform
Apprenticeship
Employee of the month scheme £50
110% Club of outstanding performers who can receive large prizes and monetary rewards
WageStream - a flexible wage application whereby you can pull your wages out sooner than payday
EAP - Employee Assistance Programme
Progression opportunities within the company
Ongoing training
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