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Protective Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Career Connections Inc

Protective Agent

Houston, TX

$75K - $139K/yr

Provide protective security services for high-profile facilities and operations * Support executive and dignitary movement coordination * Assist with security operations during major events and ...

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How much do protective operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective operations in the United States is $24.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in Protective Operations, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Protective Operations often face challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, high-stress situations, and the need for constant vigilance. Managing these challenges effectively requires strong situational awareness, ongoing training in defensive tactics, and excellent communication skills to coordinate with team members and clients. Building trust within the team and maintaining flexibility in operational planning are also crucial for adapting to unforeseen risks. Continual professional development and debriefings after assignments help teams refine strategies and improve future performance.

What are Protective Operations?

Protective Operations refer to the specialized security services designed to safeguard individuals, such as dignitaries, executives, or other high-profile persons, from potential threats like physical harm, kidnapping, or harassment. These operations involve risk assessment, advance planning, secure transportation, and close personal protection. Personnel involved in Protective Operations are trained in threat detection, emergency response, and defensive tactics to ensure the safety of their clients in various environments.

What is the difference between Protective Operations vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective OperationsSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity certifications, training in protective tacticsBasic security training, sometimes licensing
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, close protection, event securityBuilding patrols, access control, surveillance
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate security firms, government agencies, corporate securityCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes

Protective Operations involves specialized security tasks such as close protection and risk assessment, often requiring advanced training and certifications. Security Guards typically focus on monitoring premises and controlling access. While both roles aim to ensure safety, Protective Operations is more proactive and strategic, whereas Security Guards perform more routine security functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Protective Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Protective Operations, you need expertise in threat assessment, physical security, defensive tactics, and often a background in law enforcement or military service. Familiarity with surveillance systems, communications equipment, and certifications such as Executive Protection or firearms training are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, discretion, and strong decision-making under pressure distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills are critical to ensuring the safety of clients and effectively managing risks in high-stakes environments.
More about Protective Operations jobs
What job categories do people searching Protective Operations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Protective Operations jobs are:
Protective Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protective Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,344 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
VP Protective Operations

VP Protective Operations

Fidelity Investments

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 270 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 150 rated financial services

Job description


Note: Fidelity is not providing immigration sponsorship for this position
The Role:
As a Vice President on the firm's Executive Protection team, you will operate in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment. Reporting to the Head of Executive Protection, this role is responsible for executive protection operations, protective staffing, high impact event security programs, protective advances, and vulnerability assessment initiatives to ensure the safety, privacy, and operational effectiveness of covered executives across domestic and international environments. The position requires close collaboration with Global Security Operations, Threat Management, Global Intelligence, Travel Security, the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), and other internal and external partners to identify, assess, and proactively mitigate risks. You will play a critical role in developing and implementing security strategies, managing high-profile protective operations, supporting executive travel and major events, and ensuring operational readiness in support of Fidelity's senior leadership.
  • Conduct ongoing executive risk assessments and regularly evaluate protection postures based on threat intelligence, risk indicators, executive visibility, travel patterns, geopolitical considerations, and evolving business requirements.
  • Lead and oversee all aspects of executive protection operations for covered executives, ensuring the delivery of world-class protective services during travel, corporate events, site visits, and day-to-day activities.
  • Direct the planning and execution of protective advances, venue security assessments, route selection, transportation security, and operational logistics to ensure safe and seamless executive movements.
  • Establish and maintain comprehensive coverage and contingency plans that ensure operational continuity, resiliency, and rapid response capabilities across global operating environments.
  • Partner closely with Global Intelligence, Threat Management, Protective Intelligence, Travel Security, and Global Security Operations and others to identify, assess, and mitigate threats targeting covered executives.
  • Provide strategic leadership for executive protection personnel, including the recruitment, development, training, and management of a multidisciplinary team of executive protection agents, drivers, and support personnel.
  • Foster a culture of professionalism, discretion, accountability, operational excellence, and customer-focused service while maintaining the highest standards of executive support.
  • Develop and maintain professional standards, operational certifications, training curricula, readiness assessments, and performance metrics to ensure sustained organizational capability and long-term team development.
  • Serve as a trusted security advisor to senior executives, providing strategic guidance, risk-based recommendations, and executive-level briefings on protective operations, emerging threats, and security-related matters.
  • Lead protective support for high-profile corporate events, executive engagements, and other strategic business activities, ensuring appropriate security measures are implemented and effectively coordinated.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the evaluation of emerging threats, industry best practices, technology solutions, and lessons learned to enhance the effectiveness and maturity of the executive protection program

The Expertise and Skills You Bring
  • Demonstrated experience protecting C-suite executives, boards of directors, and/or government officials in complex, dynamic, and global operating environments.
  • Minimum of 15 years of demonstrated experience in executive protection, protective operations, security risk management, or related security disciplines within corporate, government, military, or law enforcement environments.
  • Minimum of 5 years of proven leadership experience managing executive protection teams, programs, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
  • Demonstrated advanced expertise in executive protection and protective methodologies, including strategic security planning, home and site vulnerability assessments, major event security management, development of comprehensive emergency action plans, proactive risk mitigation strategies, and crisis response leadership across domestic and international operating environments.
  • Proven ability to lead, coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to establish trusted partnerships across business leadership, key stakeholders, and private- and public-sector organizations, including local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making while independently managing sensitive, high-profile, and time-critical matters.
  • Experience supporting executive travel security, protective intelligence integration, major corporate events, and high-risk operational activities.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain TSA Aircraft Security Officer (ASO) certification is highly preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including internationally, and operate effectively in dynamic, fast-paced, and high-pressure environments.
  • Exceptional verbal, written, presentation, and analytical communication skills, with the ability to effectively brief executives and senior leadership on security risks, mitigation strategies, and operational readiness.
  • Bachelor's degree is preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
  • Relevant professional certifications such as CTM, CPP, PSP, ASIS Executive Protection Professional (EPP), TSA ASO, or other intelligence, investigation, or executive protection credentials are a plus.

The Team
The Executive Protection team is part of the broader Protective Services team, which in turn is part of Fidelity's Global Security team. The Executive Protection team is a highly valued team dedicated to the protection of the firm's executive leadership and events.
Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.
Fidelity's Onsite Working Model
Fidelity is transitioning to a full-time onsite working model through a phased rollout across regions and roles. Currently, some roles and locations require 100% onsite presence, while others require less. Onsite expectations are likely to evolve as the rollout continues. This transition does not apply to fully remote roles.
The base salary range for this position is $118,000-226,000 USD per year.
Placement in the range will vary based on job responsibilities and scope, geographic location, candidate's relevant experience, and other factors.
Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Depending on the position and eligibility requirements, the offer package may also include bonus or other variable compensation.
We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your evolving needs and help you live your best life at work and at home. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage and emotional well-being support, market-leading retirement, generous paid time off and parental leave, charitable giving employee match program, and educational assistance including student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and learning resources to develop your career. Note, the application window closes when the position is filled or unposted.
Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.
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