Executive Protection Manager
The Woodlands, TX, US, 77380
Job Summary:
The Executive Protection Manager is responsible for planning and executing comprehensive executive protection for the Chief Executive Officer and for members of the Board of Directors during quarterly Board meetings and related events, and for providing threat assessment and travel advisory support for other Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members attending high-exposure events. This role will typically travel with the CEO to provide direct, hands-on executive protection; for other ELT members, involvement will generally be limited to threat assessment and travel advice rather than traveling with them to provide direct protective coverage. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this individual contributor role designs and delivers protective plans, threat assessments, and travel security protocols to safeguard company leadership. The role works closely with the Security Manager and the broader Security organization — which oversees business continuity, criminal investigation support, and facility security — coordinating as needed on security planning associated with CEO, Board of Directors, and ELT travel.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 12+ years of experience in executive protection required; prior experience in a government protective service (e.g., U.S. Secret Service, Diplomatic Security Service) is strongly preferred and will be prioritized
- Large-company or private-sector executive protection program experience will also be considered
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing protective details for C-suite executives, high-net-worth individuals, or public officials
- Experience coordinating protective operations across domestic and international locations
Desired Demonstrated Job Specific Skills
- Deep knowledge of executive protection methodology, including advance work, threat assessment, secure transportation, and emergency response planning
- Established relationships with law enforcement, federal agencies, and private security vendor networks
- Ability to operate independently, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and make time-sensitive decisions
- Excellent discretion and demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interfacing directly with C-suite executives and Board members
- Ability to manage multiple protective details and competing priorities simultaneously
- Proficiency with security-related technology such as GPS tracking, secure communications equipment, and threat monitoring platforms
- Current certifications in relevant executive protection training (e.g., executive protection program certification, defensive/evasive driving, tactical medical/TCCC) preferred
- Valid driver's license required; ability to obtain applicable firearms permits, licenses, or certifications as needed
Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary protective agent for the CEO, developing and executing comprehensive protective plans covering daily movements, domestic and international travel, and public appearances; this role will typically travel with the CEO to provide direct executive protection
- Plan and execute protective coverage for Board of Directors members during quarterly Board meetings and related Board activities
- Provide threat assessment and travel advisory support for other ELT members attending high-exposure events such as conferences, investor days, and public speaking engagements; direct, in-person protective coverage for these members will generally be arranged only in higher-risk circumstances
- Conduct advance work for protectee travel, including site surveys, venue risk assessments, and medical/emergency response planning
- Develop and maintain emergency action plans, evacuation routes, and contingency plans for all protective details
- Coordinate secure transportation, lodging, and logistics for protectees
Threat Assessment & Intelligence
- Monitor and assess emerging threats, travel advisories, and risk intelligence relevant to protectees' itineraries and destinations, prioritizing coverage for the CEO and Board of Directors
- Conduct pre-travel risk assessments and issue travel advisories for domestic and international locations, including for ELT members traveling to high-exposure events
- Maintain relationships with law enforcement, government agencies, and intelligence resources to support threat monitoring
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner with the Security Manager and broader Security organization as needed on facility security, business continuity, and investigative matters that intersect with executive protection planning
- Coordinate with Corporate Communications, Legal, Human Resources, and Executive Assistants to align protective planning with executive and Board schedules
- Engage and manage third-party protective service providers, contract agents, and security vendors to support coverage during high-exposure events and travel
Program Leadership & Administration
- Accomplish job responsibilities/duties in accordance with Western Midstream Core Values: Partnership, Customer Focus, Resourcefulness, and Performance
- Develop and manage the executive protection program budget
- Establish and continuously improve executive protection protocols, policies, and standard operating procedures
- Provide recommendations to the COO on executive protection staffing and program structure as the company's needs evolve
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding protectee schedules, security measures, and other sensitive information
Education Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree preferred but not required; equivalent, demonstrated experience in executive protection, law enforcement, military, or federal protective services will be prioritized
- Relevant executive protection certifications (e.g., Executive Protection Institute, Certified Protection Officer, tactical/medical training) preferred
Additional Requirement:
- Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check
Travel Requirements:
- Ability to travel frequently (50%+), generally planned in advance with the ability to respond to short-notice travel when required
- Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on protectee schedules
Nearest Major Market: Houston