Head of Security

Charlotte Frank Limited; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte Frank Limited is seeking a seasoned security leader to establish and oversee a comprehensive risk and safety framework for a prominent Hong Kong family office. The role requires strategic oversight of physical security, corporate and residential assets, and treasury risk management.

You will advise senior leadership, manage a security team, coordinate travel security, technology infrastructure, and liaison with local authorities.

Qualifications

• Experience in senior security management for a high‑net‑worth environment.
• Proven capability in threat analysis, risk assessment, and security planning.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English and Chinese (Cantonese/ Mandarin).

Responsibilities

• Protect the family physically and manage travel security and risk analyses.
• Lead and develop security personnel; provide regular briefings and training.
• Oversee office and asset protection, including access control, CCTV, and cyber safeguards.
• Collaborate with finance/treasury security controls and incident response planning.

Skills

Close protection

Physical security

Cybersecurity

Risk assessment

Crisis management

English & Chinese

Job description

We are seeking a seasoned, discreet, and highly competent security leader to establish and oversee a comprehensive security framework for a prominent Hong Kong family office. This unique and critical role is responsible for the holistic protection of the family's physical safety, the integrity of its corporate and residential assets, and the security of its financial operations and treasury functions. The successful candidate will be a strategic advisor to the family and its senior leadership, blending expertise in close protection, physical security, and modern treasury risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Protecting the Family (Physical & Travel Security)
  • Conduct comprehensive threat assessments and detailed risk analyses for the family and its assets.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously refine security plans, protocols, and emergency response procedures.
  • Manage and coordinate all aspects of travel security, including route planning, security logistics for domestic and international trips, and venue assessments.
  • Lead and manage a team of security personnel, ensuring their readiness and professional development.
  • Act as a trusted advisor on all family security matters.
  • Provide regular security briefings and conduct training sessions for family members and household staff.
• Protecting the Office & Assets (Physical & Cyber Security)
  • Oversee the physical security of all family office properties, including corporate offices, residences, and other key assets.
  • Manage security technology infrastructure, including access control systems, CCTV, alarm monitoring, and perimeter protection.
  • Develop and implement policies for visitor management, information security, and data protection. Serve as the primary liaison with local law enforcement agencies (e.g., Hong Kong Police) and security vendors.
  • Integrate and manage cybersecurity practices, ensuring the office is resilient against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that target wealth management entities. This includes establishing protocols to counter phishing, deepfakes, and other social engineering attacks.
• Protecting the Treasury (Financial & Governance Security)
  • Collaborate with the family office's finance and treasury teams to safeguard financial assets and operations.
  • Develop and implement robust internal financial controls, including role-based access rights for banking and payments, dual approvals (maker-checker rules), and clear audit trails for all financial transactions.
  • Drive the modernization of security protocols for treasury operations, including cash management, payment processing, and reporting, to mitigate cyberfraud and operational risks.
  • Oversee the security of digital assets and private keys, ensuring they are managed with institutional-grade custody solutions and multi-factor authentication.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in senior security management, ideally within a family office, elite corporate environment, or a disciplined service such as the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) or military.
• Credentials: Proven experience in close protection/executive protection and a strong track record in managing security for high‑net‑worth individuals or corporate executives.
• Skills: Expert knowledge of physical and cybersecurity principles, risk assessment methodologies, and crisis management.
• Discretion: Highest level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism is non‑negotiable. This role involves managing highly confidential family and financial information.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in both written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin).
• Licensing: Valid Hong Kong Security Personnel Permit (SPP) and relevant safety certifications (First Aid, AED, QAS) are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in corporate security or a related field within the financial services sector.
• Experience with modern treasury management systems (TMS) and financial controls is a significant advantage.
• Professional security certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional) are highly desirable.

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