Executive Protection Specialist Lead - MN

Executive Protection Specialist

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a diverse team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Executive Protection Specialist ensures the safety, security, and comfort of senior executives, their families, and visiting VIPs through proactive risk assessment, protective operations, and logistical support. The role requires exceptional discretion, integrity, high level physical fitness, and the ability to operate independently in dynamic and high-pressure environments.

This role provides a unique opportunity to join a highly skilled team supporting a dynamic and demanding executive protection program. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of tactical expertise, operational efficiency, and a commitment to the highest standards of security.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the time providing a safe and secure environment for senior executives, family members, and visiting dignitaries
• Conduct advance planning and special event surveys to prepare for executive travel and events
• Deliver secure, defensive driving for executives during business, personal, and special events
• Identify and assess potential security threats, providing real-time information to aid decision-making
• Implement and oversee security and access control procedures at residences, offices, or temporary locations
• Provide on-site executive protection and logistical support at events and during travel, both domestic and international
• Act as the central point of communication for security-related incidents and coordinate contingency plans, including emergency medical responses
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies and internal/external security partners to ensure seamless protection during operations
• Monitor and provide feedback on the installation and use of security equipment in sensitive environments
• Assist with administrative and operational support to enhance executive privacy and convenience

Additional Duties

• Maintain situational awareness of domestic and geopolitical developments impacting security
• Assist in creating intelligence and briefs for senior management on emerging threats and trends
• Develop and brief event security plans to executives and support staff
• Perform research to support risk analysis, due diligence, and threat assessment
• Provide recommendations to enhance protective services and security measures
• Participate in training, skillset development, and regular assessments
• All other duties as assigned

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Current Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)/HR218 credentials
• 5+ years of experience in executive protection or personal protection experience
• Valid driver's license with defensive driving experience
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, often on short notice (up to 50%)

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications
• Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) and Personal Protective Services (PPS) certifications
• Advanced training in medical emergencies, defensive tactics, evasive driving, and tactical firearms
• Experience in protective intelligence, physical security, and emergency response
• Experience in private-sector client service roles
• Familiarity with residential alarm systems, access control, and surveillance technology

Additional Skills and Competencies:

Physical and Administrative Requirements

• Ability to pass pre-employment background investigations, physical fitness evaluations, and drug testing
• Maintain composure and professionalism during long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Attributes

• Customer-service oriented mindset with solid interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt to diverse work environments while maintaining professionalism and attentiveness
• Proficiency in advance trip planning, including coordination with law enforcement and other security entities

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in using protective communication equipment (e.g., encrypted radios, GPS tracking systems)
• Familiarity with security technology platforms, such as threat intelligence software and access control systems
• Ability to produce detailed security assessments, after-action reports, and travel risk analyses

Behavioral Competencies

• Solid situational awareness and ability to make critical decisions under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion in all matters
• Demonstrated ability to build trust with executives and stakeholders

Leadership & Team Collaboration

• Ability to lead or contribute to a team in high-stress situations
• Experience mentoring and training junior team members
• Capacity to work collaboratively across departments, including corporate security, facilities, and human resources

Work Environment and Expectations

• Ability to operate in both overt and covert protection environments
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on executive schedules
• Flexibility to adjust travel plans and assignments with little or no notice

Certifications & Compliance

• Compliance with all relevant state and federal laws regarding firearms and executive protection operations
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training

Additional Requirements

• Experience managing complex logistical operations related to executive movements
• Knowledge of cultural norms and customs in international environments to ensure appropriate behavior during overseas operations
• Ability to de-escalate tense situations and manage conflicts discreetly

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $110,200 to $188,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.