Close Protection Officer - Madrid

About Prevail Partners

Prevail Partners is a leading British intelligence, security and operational support company. We help governments, NGOs and commercial organisations operate safely and effectively in some of the world's most complex environments by combining intelligence, technology and operational expertise. Our teams deliver actionable insight that helps clients manage risk, make informed decisions and achieve meaningful operational impact where it matters most. 

Our shared mission is to deliver unrelenting excellence in everything we do, underpinned by integrity, curiosity, accountability and care.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Close Protection Officer to join a collaborative security team supporting an Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) family and associated household member(s) based in and around Madrid, Spain.

This role is ideally suited to a security professional with strong close protection experience and exceptional knowledge of Madrid and the wider Spanish operating environment. Working closely with an English-speaking principal and wider support team, you will provide both protective security services and valuable local insight, helping to ensure safe, efficient, and discreet operations.

Your understanding of local geography, transport networks, residential areas, venues, healthcare facilities, and regional considerations will play a key role in supporting movement planning, risk mitigation, and day-to-day operational effectiveness.

As part of an established protective security team, you will maintain situational awareness, identify emerging risks, and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the principal and household members.

The role requires regular travel throughout Madrid, the Comunidad de Madrid region, and elsewhere within Spain as required. Occasional international travel and overnight deployments may also be necessary.

Candidates should carefully consider any professional, personal, or family commitments that may affect their availability, as a high degree of flexibility, responsiveness, and operational readiness is essential for success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide close protection to principals during daily activities, travel, events, and residential movements.
• Conduct dynamic and formal risk assessments.
• Monitor environments for potential threats and implement appropriate mitigation measures.
• Support secure transportation and movement planning.
• Utilise local knowledge to advise on routes, venues, logistics, and environmental considerations.
• Maintain a vigilant, professional, and unobtrusive presence.
• Coordinate effectively with family members, household staff, service providers, and wider security teams.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, incidents, and changing threat environments.
• Maintain accurate operational records, reports, and documentation.
• Provide practical personal security guidance to principals where required.
• Uphold strict confidentiality at all times.

Requirements:

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Minimum three years' Close Protection experience.
• Minimum two years' experience supporting UHNW individuals or families.
• Current close protection qualification recognised within Spain and/or internationally.
• Strong understanding of threat assessment, protective security, and emergency response procedures.
• Exceptional knowledge of Madrid and the wider Spanish operating environment.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively in professional settings.
• Ability to remain calm, composed, and professional in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a wider team.
• Flexibility to work shifts, travel, and stay away from home when required.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Impeccable references and a strong professional reputation.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience supporting international or English-speaking UHNW principals.
• Experience in covert surveillance operations within a military, law enforcement, or specialist security environment.
• Previous experience operating within Spain and across Europe in a close protection capacity.
• Additional language capabilities beyond English and Spanish.

Additional Compliance Requirements

Successful candidates will be required to undergo screening and vetting appropriate to both the role and the jurisdiction in which they will operate.

This may include:

• Verification of all relevant close protection licences, qualifications, certifications, and eligibility documentation.
• Local Spanish criminal record checks and background screening, or equivalent vetting as required.
• Employment and professional reference verification.
• Verification of legal right to work in Spain.
• Medical qualification such as FREC 3, FPOS, or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Full driving licence valid for use in Spain with a clean driving record.
• Language assessment to verify professional fluency in both English and Spanish.
• Any safeguarding or additional screening requirements relevant to environments where children may be present.

About You

You will be confident supporting an English-speaking principal who relies on your local expertise to navigate the complexities of operating safely and efficiently within Spain. You understand the importance of cultural awareness, local customs, geography, transportation routes, public venues, emergency services, healthcare infrastructure, and regional considerations that may impact day-to-day security planning.

You should be comfortable acting as a trusted local advisor, proactively identifying opportunities and risks, and providing informed recommendations that support effective decision-making.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be permanently based in Madrid or the surrounding area (accommodation not provided).
• Possess extensive knowledge of Madrid's districts, transport infrastructure, road networks, key venues, hotels, restaurants, medical facilities, and local services.
• Demonstrate strong situational awareness and an in-depth understanding of the local operating environment.
• Be capable of communicating professionally and confidently with both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking stakeholders.
• Exhibit excellent judgement, discretion, and adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Thrive as part of a multinational team while maintaining the ability to operate independently when required.

Benefits:

Prevail Partners believes in recognising and rewarding our people. Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, professional development, and life beyond work. Consultants engaged on this project will benefit from a range of deployment-related support and amenities, including:

• The opportunity to work alongside highly experienced professionals in a unique and rewarding operational environment.
• Exposure to complex projects and clients, providing valuable professional development and experience.
• The opportunity for European travel.