Job Description

Close Protection Officer (CPO)
Close Protection Officer (CPO)-Richards Bay

• Job Purpose

To provide professional, proactive, and discreet personal protection to clients, ensuring their safety through tactical planning, threat management, and operational excellence in a variety of environments.
2. Key Responsibilities

• Deliver close protection services to high-risk or high-profile clients during travel, public appearances, and daily routines
• Conduct advance site reconnaissance, threat assessments, and route planning
• Execute secure driving and escort protocols, including convoy operations when required
• Maintain high situational awareness to identify, assess, and neutralise potential threats
• Safeguard client privacy and handle all client-related matters with the highest level of discretion
• Operate and maintain communication and tracking equipment during operations
• Perform counter-surveillance and protective surveillance as needed
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement and venue security
• Submit incident, shift, and threat assessment reports as required
• Ensure weapons, tactical equipment, and vehicles are operational and compliant with legal standards
• Remain mission-ready through regular training and drills

3. Minimum Qualifications and Certifications

• Grade 12 / Matric Certificate
• PSIRA Registration (Minimum Grade C)
• Recognised Close Protection Training Certification (accredited provider)
• SAPS Firearm Competency Certificate for Business Purposes
• Valid Firearm Licences for:

• Handgun
• Shotgun
• Self-loading Rifle (SLR)
• Valid Code B (Code 8) Drivers Licence
• First Aid Level 1 (minimum); trauma or tactical medical training preferred

4. Experience

• Minimum 3 years in a security or law enforcement role
• At least 1 year of operational close protection experience
• Prior work in high-risk, VIP, executive, or mobile protection assignments
• Demonstrated experience with tactical driving and situational response

5. Key Competencies

• Excellent threat assessment and situational awareness skills
• Calm under pressure; strong decision-making abilities
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Physical fitness and endurance
• Proficient in the use of firearms and tactical equipment
• Competent with GPS, radios, surveillance tools, and mobile tech
• Ability to work independently and as part of a protective team
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for client privacy and preferences

6. Working Conditions

• Travel (local and national) may be required, sometimes at short notice
• Exposure to high-pressure, fast-paced, and occasionally high-risk environments
• Irregular hours, including weekends, nights, and public holidays
• Expected to wear either tactical uniform or plain clothes based on the assignment
• On-call availability required during client deployments.

7. Additional Requirements

• Subject to background screening and security clearance
• Must sign confidentiality, non-disclosure, and code of conduct agreements

Ongoing professional development and skills maintenance required
Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates. If you have not been contacted within 14 days of your application, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
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