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Target Security Specialist Job Description

Learn about the Target Security Specialist role in Target stores.

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All about Target

As a Fortune 50 company with more than 400,000 team members worldwide, Target is an iconic brand and one of America's leading retailers.

Working at Target means the opportunity to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Caring for our communities is woven into who we are, and we invest in the places we collectively live, work and play. We prioritize relationships, fuel and develop talent by creating growth opportunities, and succeed as one Target team. At our core, our purpose is ingrained in who we are, what we value, and how we work. It's how we care, grow, and win together.

All about Assets Protection

Assets Protection (AP) teams function to keep our guests, team and brand safe and secure and lead through crisis events. They protect profitable sales by mitigating shortage risks, preventing, investigating and resolving theft and fraud to ensure product is available for our guest.

At Target, we believe in our team members having meaningful experiences that help them build and develop skills for a career. The role of a Target Security Specialist can provide you with the:

  • Skills using intelligence-led tactics to keep team members and guests safe and secure  
  • Experience in crisis response, safety and crowd management; providing support to both guests and team members 
  • Skills in de-escalation as well as experience with recovering stolen merchandise to prevent shortage 
  • Ability to utilize Target's video surveillance system  
  • Ability to properly document cases using industry case management systems  

As a Target Security Specialist, no two days are ever the same, but a typical day will most likely include the following responsibilities:

  • Support sales by welcoming and engaging guests and team members at the front of store 
  • Lead a physical security culture for our team members and guests by assessing and maintaining safe and secure standards throughout the store, including exterior property 
  • Respond to and accurately document security incidents 
  • Understand and leverage escalation tools for guest issues in order to provide a safe and secure environment for our team members and guests 
  • Conduct productive merchandise recoveries and provide apprehension support as needed, strictly adhering to AP policies and procedures and AP leadership guidance 
  • Prevent theft and shortage at the front of store by performing receipt checks for exposed high-dollar merchandise 
  • Submit appropriate documentation in the system for all incidents following AP policy and procedures 
  • Understand and appropriately use the video system 
  • Model working safely while maintaining a clean store for guests and team members 
  • Provide service and a shopping experience that meets the needs of the guest 
  • Demonstrate a culture of ethical conduct, safety and compliance 
  • Work in a safe manner at all times to benefit yourself and others; identify and correct hazards; comply with all safety policies and best practices. 
  • All other duties based on business needs 

What we are looking for

We might be a great match if:

  • Working in a fun and energetic environment makes you excited…. We work efficiently and as a team to deliver for our guests 
  • Providing service to our guests that makes them say I LOVE TARGET! excites you…. That’s why we love working at Target 
  • Stocking, Setting and Selling Target products sounds like your thing… That’s the core of what we do 
  • You aren’t looking for Monday thru Friday job where you are at a computer all day… We are busy all day (especially on the weekends), making it easy for the guest to feel welcomed, inspired and rewarded 

The good news is that we have some amazing training that will help teach you everything you need to know to be a Target Security Specialist. But, there are a few skills you should have from the get-go:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Meet any state or local licensure and/or other legal requirements related to the position
  • Welcoming and helpful attitude toward guests and other team members 
  • Ability to communicate on multiple frequency devices and operate handheld scanners, and other technology equipment as directed 
  • Effective communication skills 
  • Work both independently and with a team 
  • Manage workload and prioritize tasks independently 
  • Capability to remain focused and composed in a fast-paced environment and accomplish multiple tasks within established timeframes  

We are an awesome place to work and care about our teams, so we want to make sure we are clear on a few more basics that we expect:

  • Climb up and down ladders 
  • Apprehend subjects in accordance with company policy  
  • Scan, handle and move merchandise efficiently and safely, including frequently lifting or moving merchandise up to 40 pounds  
  • Flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends and holidays); reliable and prompt attendance necessary 
  • Capable of working in and exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and other elements while performing certain job duties 
  • Ability to remain mobile for the duration of a scheduled shift (shift length may vary)

Competitive benefits

We are proud to provide benefits that support you, your family and your future.

Health and well-being

Target offers comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans, available to eligible team members after 90 days. Plus, get immediate access to free 24/7 virtual care and mental health support.

Financial well-being

Your financial future is bright with quick pay access and the TGT 401(k) plan, plus discounts and deals on everything from pet insurance to cell phone plans.

Paid time off

Target encourages work-life balance by offering eligible team members vacation time and paid national holidays, sick time and family leave.

Education assistance

Target's industry-leading education assistance benefit, Dream to Be, offers tuition-free programs to support your growth.

Market-leading pay

Target is a proud pay leader in every market we operate in, providing equitable and competitive pay for all.

Team Target discount

Get the exclusive team member discount of 10% off plus an added 20% off a variety of food and wellness products.

Creating a culture of joy

We bring out the best in each other every day.

A group of Target team members giving each other a thumbs up as they huddle in the back of the store.

Inclusivity

We value diverse voices and approaches. We act with authenticity and respect. We create equitable experiences for all.

Connection

We build trusted relationships. We collaborate across business functions. We recognize and celebrate progress.

Drive

We do what is right for Target, our team and guests. We deliver results that matter. We continually learn by valuing progress over perfection.

Grow with Target

We are fully invested in your personal and professional growth because our people are our power. 

Target's leadership truly empowers personal and professional growth, fostering an environment where we care, grow and win together.

Sandeep Sr. Engineering Manager – Target Tech, Corporate