Director, Operational Security (Protective Services)

Control Risks•Washington, DC

9h•$170,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven operational security leader with strong business acumen, strategic vision, and exceptional project management capabilities to lead our Protective Services practice for the United States and Canada. This role will oversee high-impact security engagements—including executive protection, event security, and complex operational security programs—while driving growth through business development and thought leadership. The ideal candidate will combine operational expertise with the ability to influence stakeholders and shape innovative security solutions for clients across diverse industries.

Requirements

15+ years of experience in an operational security leadership role, with a proven ability to manage complex security programs.
10+ years of direct experience delivering operational security services, including executive protection, event security, and comprehensive protective strategies.
Functional understanding of the integration of protective intelligence and global monitoring centers into protective operations
Previous experience working in a consulting capacity, ideally within the operational security field.
Demonstrated success in a leadership role, managing teams and driving strategic initiatives.
Proven ability to manage a portfolio of clients and develop a strong pipeline of business opportunities through an existing book of business, RFPs and client outreach.
Advanced financial literacy and a deep understanding of business processes, including budgeting and forecasting.
Track record of administrative excellence, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
Exceptional English-language writing and communication skills; proficiency in additional languages is highly desirable.
Bachelor’s degree required
Formal executive protection training from a recognized government or private institution.
Ability to obtain and maintain security licenses across multiple states, as required.
Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills, combined with strong leadership capabilities.
Proven track record in business management, including opportunity generation and client portfolio development.
Strong creative and analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Highly organized and adept at multitasking, balancing competing priorities effectively.
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25–30% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees preferred in security management, business administration, or a related field.
Industry certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) are highly desirable but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

Define and execute the vision for the Protective Services practice in the United States and Canada, ensuring alignment with regional and global strategic objectives.
Direct the delivery of comprehensive security services, including executive protection, event security, workplace violence response, technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM), travel risk management programs, operational crisis management (including evacuations and natural disaster response/recovery), and security training programs.
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance for the Protective Services practice, ensuring profitability and cost efficiency.
Drive growth by building and maintaining a robust pipeline of engagements through client relationships and market expansion.
Ensure effective and streamlined business operations, including compliance with local, state and national security regulations, human resources statutes, and legal and risk management guidelines.
Represent the organization as an industry leader by contributing to panels, conferences, and published insights.
Foster a collaborative culture across practices and geographies to maintain a OneFirm approach while delivering exceptional client services.
Proven knowledge and hands-on experience with protective intelligence and the integration of protective services with GSOC capabilities, reflecting the evolution of protective services into a more intelligence-driven, proactive discipline.
Demonstrated ability to design, build, and lead programmatic engagements across operational security including executive protection and protective intelligence ensuring alignment with organizational risk posture and operational objectives.