There are a ton of executive protection jobs out there, so it’s difficult to find the right one for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
One of the coolest things about the executive protection industry is that it’s so dynamic and constantly changing. The agents are always on the move, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the safety and security of their clients. If you want to be one of those people, you need to start looking into all the various executive protection jobs.
Today, we’ll share with you what some of the most popular positions are and what exactly they entail. We’ll also give you an inside scoop on all the traits and qualities that you need to possess if you want to make it in the industry.
Types of Executive Protection Agents
If you do a simple online search for executive protection jobs, you’ll find a whole bunch of different listings. However, there are some that’ll pop up more than others, and that you’re more likely to see. So here are the most popular EP titles that you can expect to find.
Mobile vs. Static Agents
First, let’s start with mobile EP agents who usually work for a security company, and can be assigned to commercial or residential properties. Their job, more often than not, includes walking around the premises, checking for any suspicious activities. Depending on the size of the property, mobile agents can either patrol alone or as part of a group.
Also, mobile agents are usually in charge of checking alarms, locking and unlocking the premises, and monitoring the interior. They serve as an extremely efficient deterrent, and their presence alone is often enough to scare off would-be burglars.
On the other hand, a static agent will stand guard in one spot, instead of patrolling around. They’re usually the people that you see in front of different venues, festivals, clubs, and even certain homes.
One of the most important tasks that mobile and static agents share is that they can and will deter criminals. With that said, static agents tend to have fewer responsibilities, which is also reflected in their pay. So before applying for a job, consider the wage gap.
Motorcade Lead
Driving is one of the most important skills any EP agent can have and something you can’t be without. Often, no matter who you’re working for, you’ll be expected to drive and provide protection while in a vehicle. Sometimes, if the client has a bigger budget, you’ll also be in charge of leading a motorcade.
If you’re part of a motorcade, you’ll be expected to coordinate with a bigger team of other EP professionals. You might also have to work with local law enforcement officers.
But if you’re leading it, you’ll be responsible for clearing the path for the other vehicles. You’ll also be responsible for guiding others in the motorcade and giving them clear directions.
Sometimes, you might encounter obstacles or protestors on the street, and you need to think on the fly. You might want to slow down, speed up, or completely change routes while driving.
Either way, you’ll have a huge responsibility for the safety of your client, and the others in the motorcade. Sometimes, there’ll be journalists or the client’s family in the motorcade, and their safety is your concern.
Executive Protection Manager
Becoming an executive protection manager or detail leader is no small feat, and it’s usually not something that you can do as an entry-level job. It takes a lot of knowledge, practice, and most importantly, experience to get there. It’s not exactly a skill that you can pick up over night.
Your job will require you to come up with extensive and detailed plans that will ensure a client’s safety. Now, that’s essentially the gist of it, but detail leaders do pretty much everything behind the scenes. They will do travel risk assessments, journey management, come up with different driving routes, and so much more.
Detail Assistant
On the other hand, a detail assistant will work directly under the manager. They will do all the research and the prep work in advance, and supply the leader with the proper intelligence.
If you want to be a detail leader someday, but have no prior experience, you’re best off trying to land an assistant job. Once you work under an EP pro for a while, you’ll start to understand how much effort and work goes into it.
CSO
Once you’ve climbed the corporate mountain, done both field and office work for a long time, you might consider becoming a Chief Security Officer (CSO). At that point, as a CSO, you’ll be responsible for the entire security structure of a company, including both the digital and physical aspects.
A CSO is someone who will design strategies and solve problems, all while looking at the bigger picture. Also, a CSO is in charge of writing guidelines, coordinating departments, and executing safety programs. Most often, they will report directly to the CEO or board of directors in the company.
As you can imagine, with so many responsibilities also comes a pretty big paycheck. However, becoming a CSO is by no means easy, and you need to have specific education, training, as well as experience.
Bottom Line
One of the most important traits that all EP agents share, no matter their position, is resourcefulness. A good agent is able to think on their feet, improvise, adapt, and overcome any obstacle quickly. They also do it all while seamlessly blending into their environment.
With that said, it doesn’t matter if you’re just getting into the industry or a seasoned pro who wants to shake things up, we’ve got something for you. The EP Wired team is working tirelessly on developing an EP career page, where we will constantly be updating you on the latest executive protection jobs. So stay tuned for that.
But in the meantime, if you want to learn more about the EP profession, you can sign up for our newsletter. We’ll give you the best techniques and tips that’ll help you grow professionally and improve your skills.
