About this role
Close Protection Officer – Private Family Security
Position: Full-time, permanent
Sector: Private Household / UHNW Security
An experienced Close Protection Officer is required to join an established private security team supporting a high-profile individual and their family.
This is a trusted and confidential appointment involving a combination of close protection, residential security and travel-related duties. The successful applicant must be discreet, dependable and capable of maintaining consistently high professional standards in both routine and changing operational environments.
The Role
Working individually and alongside a small security team, your responsibilities will include:
- Providing protection to the Principal and family members
- Supporting security at private residences and during travel
- Maintaining strong situational awareness and conducting protective surveillance
- Completing advance work, route planning and location reconnaissance
- Identifying, assessing and reporting potential threats and vulnerabilities
- Implementing appropriate risk-reduction measures
- Coordinating with household staff, estate personnel and external service providers
- Assisting with transport, scheduling and operational logistics
- Inspecting and maintaining security equipment and operational resources
- Remaining prepared to respond effectively to incidents or changes in circumstances
- Producing clear and accurate operational reports where required
The role requires the ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a discreet and close-knit team. Further details regarding the assignment will be provided to shortlisted candidates during the interview process.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must have
- A current SIA Close Protection licence
- At least three years’ experience in a comparable private or corporate protection role
- A recognised medical qualification, such as FREC 3, FPOS-I or an equivalent
- A full, clean UK driving licence
- A high standard of physical fitness and personal presentation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A discreet, loyal and professional approach
- Verifiable employment and professional references
- The ability to pass comprehensive background and security checks
- A willingness to complete drug screening and a medical assessment
Applicants who do not meet all the essential requirements will not be considered.
Preferred Background
Additional consideration will be given to candidates with
- Previous military service, particularly within infantry or specialist units
- Residential Security Team experience
- Experience operating in hostile or higher-risk environments
- The ability to commute reliably to Oxfordshire or Greater London.
Package and Benefits
The position offers
- 11 rostered days off each month
- 30 days’ paid annual leave
- A competitive remuneration package
- Opportunities for UK and international travel
- Logistical support when travelling
- Additional benefits discussed with successful applicants
- Accommodation provided after a 3 month probationary period.
Confidentiality
This is a high-trust appointment supporting a private individual and their family. Complete discretion is essential throughout the recruitment process and during employment.
Information concerning the full working pattern, travel commitments, responsibilities and benefits package will be shared with candidates who progress to the appropriate stage.
How to Apply
Please submit an up-to-date CV together with a short cover letter explaining your relevant experience and suitability for the position.
Only applicants who meet the essential criteria and can provide checkable references will be contacted for interview.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
About close protection roles for ex-police
Close protection, executive protection and residential security team roles. Firearms, protection command or armed-response experience commands a premium; SIA CP licence usually required (training often funded).
See all close protection jobs in London →Why this fits a police background — match score 75/100
- Protection & firearms
- Surveillance & covert work
What close protection roles pay ex-police
Advertised UK ranges, editorial estimates reviewed July 2026
| CP operative (UK, day rate) | £250–£450/day |
| Residential security team (RST) | £45,000–£70,000 |
| CP team leader | £60,000–£85,000 |
| Hostile environment / overseas | £500–£800/day |