Director of Loss Prevention

Overview

The Director of Loss Prevention is responsible for leading Cavender’s enterprise-wide loss prevention, asset protection, safety, and security strategy across retail stores, distribution, and fulfillment operations. This role combines traditional loss prevention leadership with a modern, data- and technology-driven approach to reducing shrink, identifying risk, improving investigations, and protecting company assets. The Director of Loss Prevention will work closely with Store Operations leadership and field teams to ensure loss prevention strategies support store execution, operational priorities, and the overall customer and employee experience. This role will also partner with Finance, IT, and other corporate functions to identify trends, strengthen controls, and implement practical solutions that improve loss prevention effectiveness across the organization. This position will play a key role in evaluating and leveraging emerging technologies, analytics, automation, and AI-enabled tools to strengthen risk identification, investigations, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate brings strong multi-unit retail loss prevention experience, analytical thinking, and an interest in using technology and innovation to modernize the loss prevention function while maintaining a strong partnership with Store Operations.

Duties and Responsibilities      

·         Support the “Cavender’s Culture” and drive our Mission, Vision, and Values.

·         Develop and execute enterprise-wide strategies to minimize shrink, theft, fraud, safety risk, and operational loss.

·         Partner closely with Store Operations leadership to develop loss prevention strategies that support store execution, operational priorities, and business objectives.

·         Partner with field, corporate, IT, and operational leaders to identify trends, assess risk, and implement targeted action plans.

·         Build strong relationships with regional, district, and store leadership to identify operational challenges, improve compliance, and develop practical solutions that can be consistently executed in the field.

·         Leverage data, reporting, exception analysis, and technology to identify patterns, prioritize risk, and drive continuous improvement.

·         Identify opportunities to use emerging technologies, automation, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to improve loss prevention effectiveness.

·         Evaluate and implement technology solutions that strengthen asset protection, investigations, monitoring, and operational controls.

·         Develop and implement audit frameworks to ensure adherence to company policies and mitigate risk across the organization.

·         Oversee and evaluate investigations related to internal and external theft, fraud, organized retail crime, and policy violations, ensuring consistent and effective outcomes.

·         Partner with law enforcement and external agencies to support investigations and ensure appropriate resolution.

·         Lead the design and delivery of loss prevention training programs focused on theft deterrence, operational excellence, investigations, safety awareness, and emerging risks.

·         Partner with Store Operations to ensure loss prevention policies, training, and programs are practical, clearly communicated, and effectively executed at the store level.

·         Establish and maintain loss prevention policies and procedures, including cash handling, asset protection, investigation, and security standards.

·         Lead, mentor, and develop loss prevention team members, driving accountability, performance, and continuous development.

·         Monitor workplace incidents and safety trends and implement preventive measures to reduce risk.

·         Serve as a key liaison between Corporate Loss Prevention and Store Operations to ensure consistent execution of programs and initiatives.

·         Provide regular updates and actionable insights to senior leadership regarding shrink, investigations, emerging risks, technology opportunities, and loss prevention performance.

·         Conduct field visits to evaluate performance, ensure compliance, identify opportunities, and support operational effectiveness.

·         Oversee the use and effectiveness of loss prevention technologies, including CCTV, alarm systems, EAS, investigative platforms, exception reporting, and other security tools.

·         Partner with IT and other business leaders on system enhancements, integrations, reporting, and technology initiatives impacting loss prevention.

·         Evaluate new loss prevention technologies and vendors and make recommendations based on business impact, scalability, effectiveness, and return on investment.

·         Support initiatives related to new store openings, distribution and fulfillment operations, system implementations, and other business changes.

·         Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Qualifications and Requirements

·         Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in multi-unit loss prevention, asset protection, retail operations, safety, security, or a related field, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.

·         Candidates with fewer years of traditional loss prevention experience may be considered when paired with significant experience in loss prevention technology, analytics, automation, AI, investigations, or other modern asset protection capabilities.

·         Strong knowledge of loss prevention strategies, retail security practices, investigations, shrink reduction, and risk management principles.

·         Proven ability to lead investigations, resolve complex cases, and address internal and external theft, fraud, and operational risk.

·         Experience supporting or leading loss prevention initiatives across multiple locations.

·         Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with Store Operations and field leadership in a multi-unit retail environment.

·         Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable business strategies.

·         Utilize AI, analytics, and emerging technologies to generate actionable insights, identify risks and trends, and inform business decisions and loss prevention strategies.

·         Experience with loss prevention technologies, security systems, investigative tools, or related technology platforms.

·         Ability to evaluate new technologies and determine how they can improve loss prevention effectiveness and operational efficiency.

·         Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

·         Ability to influence and partner effectively with senior leadership, Store Operations, IT, Finance, and other business functions.

·         Ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives in a fast-paced, multi-location environment.

·         Ability to travel frequently to support field operations, investigations, audits, and business initiatives.

Preferred Skills

·         Bachelor’s degree in Business, Criminal Justice, Finance, Technology, or related field.

·         Experience in a multi-state retail environment.

·         Experience with AI-enabled loss prevention tools, advanced analytics, exception-based reporting, video analytics, automation, or emerging asset protection technologies.

·         Experience evaluating or implementing new loss prevention, security, analytics, or investigative technologies.

·         Strong understanding of industry best practices in theft deterrence, organized retail crime, investigations, shrink reduction, and incident management.

·         Experience partnering with Store Operations and field leadership to implement enterprise-wide loss prevention programs.

·         Experience partnering with IT or technology teams on systems, integrations, reporting, or security initiatives.

·         Experience leveraging data and reporting tools to drive business decisions.

·         Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

·         Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior leadership.

Cavender’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, military status, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

Cavender’s will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability upon request. If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application, please call Customer Service at (888) 361 – 2555 or visit your nearest Cavender’s store.