Market Asset Protection Manager

About Designer Brands

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee's unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of "We Love What We Do," "We Own What We Do," "We Do What's Right," and "We Belong," we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.

The Opportunity

At Designer Brands, Asset Protection is about more than reducing loss. It's about creating a safe, supportive environment where associates can do their best work and customers can enjoy a great shopping experience.

As the Market Asset Protection Manager (MAPM) for the Pacific Northwest and Northern California markets, you'll partner closely with store and field leaders to protect company assets, strengthen operational excellence, and support safety initiatives across multiple locations. In this role, you'll influence business performance by identifying opportunities, coaching leaders, mitigating risk, and helping stores implement strategies that drive shrink reduction and operational consistency.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Asset Protection professional who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and making a visible impact across a diverse portfolio of stores. To effectively support the business, candidates must reside within Northern California market.

What You'll Be Doing

Build Strong Partnerships & Influence Results

• Partner with Market Leaders, Regional Directors, store leadership teams, and cross-functional partners to identify opportunities and drive shrink reduction initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to field leaders by providing recommendations that support asset protection, operational excellence, and safety goals.
• Participate in regional, market, and store meetings, training sessions, conference calls, and store visits.

Drive Asset Protection & Operational Excellence

• Conduct Asset Protection assessments and store visits focused on operational compliance, execution, and associate engagement.
• Implement and support company shrink reduction and store improvement plans, partnering with Regional Asset Protection Managers, Market Leaders, and Store Managers to address identified opportunities.
• Analyze inventory and sales reporting to identify trends and recommend solutions that improve performance and reduce loss.
• Support physical inventory preparation and execution across the market.

Train, Coach & Develop Leaders

• Assist with onboarding and training store leaders on Asset Protection standards, company policies, theft deterrence practices, shortage awareness, and safety expectations.
• Deliver education and awareness programs that help teams recognize risks and strengthen operational controls.
• Coach leaders on best practices that support safe and secure store environments.

Support Safety & Store Protection

• Help maintain safe shopping and working environments for associates and customers.
• Participate in new store openings by supporting shrink awareness training and physical security implementation.
• Evaluate theft-related situations and respond appropriately in accordance with company guidelines and policies.

Lead Investigations & Risk Mitigation Efforts

• Coordinate, investigate, and resolve internal theft, external theft, and Organized Retail Crime incidents in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.

• Utilize tools and resources including:

• Exception Based Reporting (EBR)

• Remote CCTV systems

• Asset Protection Hotline tips

• Investigative interviewing techniques

• Partnerships with local law enforcement and retail industry networks

• Maintain thorough documentation and case management throughout investigations.

What You'll Need

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of Multi-Unit Loss Prevention Management experience, preferably within specialty retail.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• LPC, LPQ, and/or CFI certifications preferred.

Technical & Asset Protection Expertise

• Proficiency in industry-recognized investigative interviewing techniques, including the W-Z Method.

• Experience using Exception Based Reporting and case management platforms; experience with Agilence, APPRISS, and ThinkLP preferred.

• Working knowledge of retail security technologies, including:

• CCTV

• Alarm systems

• EAS/RFID systems

• Ability to assess theft-related situations and make timely decisions in accordance with company guidelines.

Leadership & Communication Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to build effective cross-functional partnerships.
• Demonstrated success training, coaching, and motivating others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates and leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong customer service, organization, and time management skills.
• Professional judgment and decision-making capabilities.

Travel & Schedule Flexibility

• Ability to stand and walk the sales floor for extended periods.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends based on business needs.
• Ability to travel overnight as needed.