Manager, Protective Services

About the role

This role represents a critical leadership position within the Global Safety and Security organization, specifically owning the protective security strategy for the EMEA region. The hire will be responsible for fusing protective intelligence with detailed operational logistics to safeguard executive leadership and their families. Success in this position requires ownership of complex travel security programs and the ability to operate effectively in fast-moving or under-resourced international markets. The Manager will serve as the primary detail lead for all executive movements into and within complex EMEA territories. This position demands a high level of judgment and the ability to translate raw threat data into concrete, actionable security measures. Ultimately, this hire will build and own the long-term security posture for one of our highest-risk regions outside North America.

Key facts

What you'll do

Fuse intelligence products with operational logistics to design comprehensive journey management plans, routing strategies, lodging vetting, and pre-travel briefings for executive travel across EMEA.

Serve as the Detail Lead for executive movements into complex international markets, leading advance planning, in-depth route assessments, and coordinating on-the-ground protective coverage.

Define and execute the long-term strategic roadmap for protective operations across EMEA, ensuring alignment of regional standards, systems, and capabilities with the global security program.

Conduct and oversee sophisticated risk and vulnerability assessments for executive residences, facilities, and travel programs, converting detailed findings into actionable security improvements.

Build and maintain a robust, vetted network of in-country security providers, medical support partners, local fixers, and diplomatic contacts while rigorously managing vendor budgets and performance metrics.

Act as the direct manager and primary point of escalation for Protective Services staff supporting EMEA operations, driving the structure and capability of the team as the program expands.

Develop and implement advanced protective protocols for residences and facilities, utilizing a strong working knowledge of physical security technologies such as surveillance systems, access control, and continuous monitoring solutions.

Leverage extensive expertise in threat and risk analysis to proactively identify emerging risks and adjust travel security plans, contingency triggers, and operational responses accordingly.

Champion the integration of security best practices across the EMEA region, fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness among local operations and leadership teams.

Collaborate closely with global stakeholders, including legal, HR, and regional business units, to ensure all protective services align with company policies and local regulatory requirements.

Lead detailed after-action reviews and continuous improvement initiatives following security incidents or major travel events to refine procedures and enhance future safety.

Provide expert-level guidance and training to local security teams and executive assistants on threat awareness, emergency procedures, and secure travel practices.

Own the end-to-end security lifecycle for executive protection, from initial risk assessment and planning through execution and final reporting.

Act as the key liaison between the Global Safety and Security team and external security consultants or governmental security advisors when navigating complex environments.

Requirements

Possess an extensive background leading protective operations and executive movements internationally, with demonstrable experience in fast-moving or under-resourced markets.

Demonstrate proven ability to translate raw risk and threat intelligence directly into concrete logistics decisions, contingency triggers, and detailed operational travel plans.

Show a strong track record in program management, including direct oversight of budgets, contract negotiations, and management for regional security providers.

Bring experience leading, mentoring, and managing operational security teams, with clear readiness to assume direct people management responsibility for the growing EMEA team.

Exhibit demonstrated expertise in conducting vulnerability assessments for residences, facilities, and events, coupled with a solid working knowledge of physical security technologies including surveillance, access control, and monitoring systems.

Hold an extensive knowledge of international travel security protocols, medical evacuation planning, and duty-of-care frameworks relevant to high-risk environments.

Display strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make rapid, high-stakes decisions based on incomplete or evolving information.

Commit to maintaining the highest level of operational security and discretion in all aspects of protective services.

Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex security recommendations to executive leadership clearly and effectively.

Be prepared to adhere to demanding travel schedules and operational flexibility, including occasional rapid deployment to support executives across the EMEA region.

Nice to have

Relevant professional certifications such as CPP, PSP, SIA Close Protection License, or advanced travel security credentials such as HEFAT.

Active engagement with modern AI tools to accelerate workflows, enhance analytical capabilities, and support decision-making within physical security operations.

Hands-on experience with medical evacuation planning, comprehensive duty-of-care frameworks, and coordination with embassy or crisis-response teams abroad.

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience that demonstrates a deep understanding of security management and logistics.

Practical notes

This role requires a hybrid work model with up to 50% travel and demands significant operational flexibility to respond to evolving security situations.