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High Profile Security Guard

💰 $55,000 - $85,000 per year

SecurityProtection ServicesCorporate SecurityExecutive Protection

🎯 Role Definition

The High Profile Security Guard is a specialized protective services professional entrusted with the safety and security of designated individuals, typically executives, dignitaries, high-net-worth families, or public figures. More than a standard security role, this position demands a unique blend of heightened situational awareness, advanced protective skills, and exceptional interpersonal acumen. The professional in this role operates in dynamic, often high-stakes environments, requiring the ability to preemptively identify threats, de-escalate volatile situations, and react decisively during a crisis. This role is the frontline of defense, responsible for creating a secure bubble around the principal, ensuring their ability to conduct business and personal activities without disruption or harm. Success is measured by the absence of incidents, a testament to meticulous planning, discretion, and unwavering vigilance.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Experienced Security Officer (with a proven track record in corporate or high-end residential security)
  • Military Police or Special Operations Veteran
  • Law Enforcement Officer (Patrol, Detective, or specialized units)

Advancement To:

  • Security Team Lead / Detail Leader
  • Executive Protection Specialist
  • Corporate Security Manager or Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Threat Assessment & Intelligence Analyst
  • Security Consultant (Physical Security or EP)
  • Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Provide comprehensive and discreet close physical protection for designated high-profile individuals during their daily activities, travel, and at special events.
  • Conduct thorough threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments of residences, corporate offices, travel routes, and event venues to identify potential security weaknesses and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Maintain a constant state of high situational awareness, proactively identifying and assessing potential threats, suspicious individuals, or unusual activities in the immediate environment.
  • Respond swiftly and professionally to any security incidents, medical emergencies, or crises, applying established emergency action plans and providing immediate aid (First Aid/CPR/AED) as required.
  • Proficiently operate and monitor sophisticated security systems, including CCTV surveillance networks, multi-zone alarm panels, and advanced access control systems, to maintain facility integrity.
  • Perform meticulous advance security sweeps and preparations for all locations the principal will visit, ensuring a secure environment prior to their arrival.
  • Manage and enforce strict access control procedures at protected sites, verifying identities and credentials to prevent unauthorized entry and maintain a secure perimeter.
  • Employ advanced counter-surveillance techniques to detect, deter, and report any hostile surveillance attempts directed at the principal or their assets.
  • Operate vehicles safely and skillfully, utilizing defensive and evasive driving tactics when necessary to ensure the principal's security during transit.
  • Liaise effectively with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as private security counterparts, to coordinate protective efforts and exchange vital intelligence.
  • Develop, review, and rehearse emergency evacuation and response plans for a variety of scenarios, including active threats, natural disasters, and medical emergencies.
  • Maintain a high level of physical fitness and proficiency in unarmed self-defense and de-escalation techniques to effectively manage and neutralize physical confrontations.
  • Compose detailed, clear, and accurate incident reports, daily activity logs, and shift pass-down summaries to ensure seamless communication and documentation for security management.

Secondary Functions

  • Support logistical planning for the principal's travel and public appearances by coordinating directly with executive assistants, event organizers, and internal staff on all security-related matters.
  • Provide security awareness briefings and informal training to the principal, their family, and key staff members to elevate their personal security consciousness and preparedness.
  • Gather and analyze open-source intelligence (OSINT) concerning potential threats, local protest activities, or individuals of interest that could impact the safety of the principal.
  • Maintain the operational readiness of all assigned security equipment, including communication devices, medical kits, and protective gear, through regular inspections and maintenance schedules.
  • Foster a professional and trusting relationship with the principal and their immediate circle, demonstrating a high level of emotional intelligence while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Screen incoming mail, packages, and deliveries for potential hazards or prohibited items before they reach the principal or enter a secure area.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of security policies, post orders, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to adapt to an evolving threat landscape.
  • Escort visitors, vendors, and contractors within secure facilities, ensuring they remain in authorized areas and adhere to all established security protocols.
  • Actively participate in mandatory and elective professional development programs to stay current with industry best practices, emerging security technologies, and advanced threat mitigation tactics.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Executive/Close Protection Tactics: Deep understanding of protective formations, movements, arrivals, and departures.
  • Threat Assessment & Risk Analysis: Ability to systematically identify vulnerabilities and recommend practical security countermeasures.
  • Advanced First Aid/CPR/AED Certification: Current certification (e.g., Tactical Combat Casualty Care - TCCC) is highly desirable.
  • Defensive & Evasive Driving: Formal training and certification from a reputable driving school.
  • Security Systems Proficiency: Hands-on experience with modern CCTV, access control, and intrusion detection systems.
  • Unarmed Combat & Control Tactics: Demonstrable proficiency in a recognized self-defense or control system.
  • Incident Reporting & Documentation: Strong writing skills for creating clear, concise, and legally defensible reports.
  • Counter-Surveillance Techniques: Knowledge of how to detect and defeat hostile surveillance efforts.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Discretion & Confidentiality: An unwavering commitment to privacy and the ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost care.
  • Superior Situational Awareness: An innate ability to observe, orient, decide, and act based on a keen perception of one's surroundings.
  • Calm Under Pressure & Crisis Management: The ability to think clearly, make sound decisions, and act decisively in high-stress, rapidly evolving situations.
  • Excellent Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Articulate and professional communication style, with the ability to build rapport with the principal, staff, and the public.
  • Professional Demeanor & Appearance: Impeccable grooming and a command presence that inspires confidence and respect.
  • Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: The capacity to analyze complex problems on the fly and devise effective solutions.
  • Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to adjust to changing schedules, environments, and threat levels without a loss in performance.
  • Unquestionable Integrity & Ethics: A strong moral compass and commitment to ethical conduct in all professional duties.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Valid state-issued Security Guard License/Registration (as required by law).

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Homeland Security
  • Security Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10+ years of verifiable, relevant experience.

Preferred:

Prior experience in federal or local law enforcement (e.g., Police Officer, Federal Agent), military service with a focus on Military Police or Special Operations, or a progressive career in corporate security that includes direct experience in executive protection or high-threat environments is strongly preferred. Experience working with high-net-worth individuals or in a high-demand corporate setting is a significant asset.