Loss Prevention Lead Kayla O'Connor shares her passion for Retail and what led her to an exciting role in Retail Operations at Farmlands. 

What did you want to do career-wise when you left school?  

I started in retail at 14 years old and I always for some reason just wanted to make it to management in my career.

Tell us about your career to date.

I made it to management in a completely different field than I ever thought. I'll never forget my first experience with a shoplifter as an everyday sales team member on the floor and from there you just have a inclination for it or not. I got tapped on the shoulder for a Loss Prevention position (back then chasing shoplifters and watching CCTV) and from there i've grown into the world of operations, systems and retail risk. I even took a break into a merch analytical role and came back straight into the world I love of retail risk!            

What led you to Farmlands? 

Our Retail GM Karma and Retail Ops lead Nikki. I had worked with them previously and they offered up this challenge in a completely different industry though still retail.              

How have you grown in your time with us at Farmlands? 

It's interesting, I’ve come from some strong operational retail environments but we are building process and accountability so its growing what's right for here from all my prior experience.

What have been your key achievements, and what are you most proud of at Farmlands? 

Everyone is genuine and brings themselves to work here which is great! Seeing a bit more collaboration in areas to help work on our efficiencies and get what we can running smoother. The business is taking loss seriously and making sure it's a conversation so it's great to direct and guide that for specific loss occurring.

What would your advice be for someone who's interested in a career in your area at Farmlands? 

Problem solving, recognising patterns and investigative skill is a huge part. Flexing into your analytic skills in any area helps develop this.

Interested in what we offer in the Retail space?

Check out our Retail page and Retail Apprenticeship page for more details.

Interested in working with Kayla in our Retail Team?

Connect with us on our careers site or check out our current vacancies.