Executive Protection (EP) Driver

Cooke & Associates; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooke & Associates, Inc. seeks an experienced Executive Protection (EP) Driver to provide secure, discreet transportation for a C-suite executive in San Francisco, CA.

The role combines secure driving with a secondary executive protection component and requires walking 3–5 miles daily. The EP Driver works with the client's security team on route planning, risk assessment, and emergency response, maintaining a protective presence while in transit and at locations.

Qualifications

• Valid CA guard card, exposed firearm permit, and CCW, valid and current at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Valid California driver’s license with no moving violations within the past two years.
• Must be at least 21 years old and not prohibited from possessing or carrying a firearm.
• Demonstrated defensive and evasive driving ability.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, professional, and discreet transportation for the Principal between residence, office, and other locations as required.
• Conduct pre-trip route assessments, identifying primary and alternate routes to mitigate risk.
• Conduct route surveillance, counter-surveillance, and advance sweeps of destinations as required.
• Maintain constant readiness for emergency transport and evacuation scenarios.
• Maintain a protective presence for the Principal while in transit and at designated locations.
• Maintain situational awareness and proactively identify potential security risks during all movements.
• Respond calmly and effectively to security incidents, accidents, or emergencies while prioritizing safety.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and coordinate maintenance and refueling to ensure the vehicle is operational, clean, and secure at all times.
• Coordinate with the corporate security team, executive assistants, and emergency response units through secure communication.
• Provide real-time updates on travel progress, delays, or security concerns to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the Principal's movements, discussions, and sensitive information at all times.
• Submit accurate activity reports and incident documentation as required.
• Maintain vehicle records, receipts, activity logs, schedules, and reports during non-driving periods.
• Support security-related administrative and operational tasks during non-driving periods as assigned.

Skills

Executive protection

Defensive driving

Secure communications

GPS navigation

Microsoft Office

Background checks

Discretion

Emergency response

Education

California BSIS Guard Card

Exposed Firearm Permit

California CCW

First Aid CPR AED

Tools

Smartsheet

Box

OneDrive

Client systems

Job description

Overview Cooke & Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Executive Protection (EP) Driver to provide secure, discreet transportation for a C-suite level executive (the Principal) in San Francisco, California. This role requires a candidate who is physically fit and able to walk approximately 3 to 5 miles per day. This is a dual-function role. Secure driving is the primary function, with a secondary executive protection component. It is dedicated to supporting the Principal day-to-day and is intended for a seasoned professional who operates proactively while maintaining a low-profile presence.

Overview Cooke & Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Executive Protection (EP) Driver to provide secure, discreet transportation for a C-suite level executive (the Principal) in San Francisco, California. This role requires a candidate who is physically fit and able to walk approximately 3 to 5 miles per day. This is a dual-function role. Secure driving is the primary function, with a secondary executive protection component. It is dedicated to supporting the Principal day-to-day and is intended for a seasoned professional who operates proactively while maintaining a low-profile presence.

The EP Driver works closely with the client's corporate security team on route planning, risk assessment, and emergency response, and maintains a protective presence while the Principal is in transit and at designated locations. The position requires advanced driving ability, sound protective judgment, and the discretion to operate in close proximity to a high-profile individual.

POSITION DETAILS

Location: This role is based in San Francisco, CA. Candidates must currently reside within the Bay Area or be willing to relocate at their own expense. No remote work or relocation assistance is available.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, approximately 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with on-call availability for emergency transport. Occasional weekend work based on the Principal's needs.

Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (W-2), paid hourly. Overtime eligibility subject to California state and federal labor laws.

Attire: Plain clothes, business or business-casual appearance consistent with the Principal's environment.

Role Type: Armed, concealed carry, plain-clothes secure driving with a secondary executive protection component.

Travel: Occasional travel in support of the Principal.

Compensation: $55.00 to $60.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications, plus overtime in compliance with California labor law.

Position Summary

This position functions as a plain-clothes EP Driver responsible for the secure transport, protection, and confidentiality of the Principal. Secure driving is the primary function of the role, with executive protection as a secondary component. The EP Driver conducts route planning and advance work, operates a protective vehicle, maintains readiness for emergency transport and evacuation, and provides close protective coverage during movements and at designated locations. The EP Driver operates within established client protocols and Cooke & Associates policies. This role carries no law enforcement authority, and all actions must align with client direction, use-of-force guidelines, and escalation procedures. The role requires sound judgment, situational awareness, and the ability to act decisively while maintaining discretion and a professional presence appropriate to a high-profile environment.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide safe, professional, and discreet transportation for the Principal between residence, office, and other locations as required.
• Conduct pre-trip route assessments, identifying primary and alternate routes to mitigate risk.
• Conduct route surveillance, counter-surveillance, and advance sweeps of destinations as required.
• Maintain constant readiness for emergency transport and evacuation scenarios.
• Maintain a protective presence for the Principal while in transit and at designated locations.
• Maintain situational awareness and proactively identify potential security risks during all movements.
• Respond calmly and effectively to security incidents, accidents, or emergencies while prioritizing the safety of the Principal.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and coordinate maintenance and refueling to ensure the vehicle is operational, clean, and secure at all times.
• Coordinate with the corporate security team, executive assistants, and emergency response units through secure communication.
• Provide real-time updates on travel progress, delays, or security concerns to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the Principal's movements, discussions, and sensitive information at all times.
• Submit accurate activity reports and incident documentation as required.
• Maintain vehicle records, receipts, activity logs, schedules, and reports during non-driving periods.
• Support security-related administrative and operational tasks during non-driving periods as assigned by the supervisor or program lead.

Required

• Valid California BSIS Guard Card, Exposed Firearm Permit, and California CCW, valid and current at time of hire and throughout employment. HR218 credentials are not accepted.
• Valid California driver's license with no moving violations within the past two (2) years, maintained throughout employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and not prohibited from possessing or carrying a firearm.
• Demonstrated defensive and evasive driving ability.
• Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
• Ability to successfully complete a CAI-provided tactical medicine and driving course, on paid time and at no cost to the employee, within the first six (6) months of employment.
• Professional experience in executive protection, corporate or private security, or professional protective driving.
• Strong situational awareness, risk assessment, and crisis response ability.
• Ability to de-escalate conflicts and manage high-stress confrontations while maintaining composure.
• Proficiency with secure communication technology and surveillance detection.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel, electronic calendars, smartphones, and GPS navigation.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and use additional platforms, including Smartsheet, Box, OneDrive, and client-required systems.
• Ability to maintain a composed, professional, and discreet demeanor in high-pressure situations.
• Following a conditional offer of employment, employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, drug screening, ongoing background checks as required, and any client-mandated vetting or clearances.

Preferred

• Prior executive protection experience.
• Corporate security experience.
• Prior law enforcement or military background is strongly preferred.
• Formal executive protection or close protection training.
• Recognized evasive or tactical driving certification (for example EVOC, SDC).
• Tactical medicine or advanced medical training.
• Valid passport, should travel be required.

Technology and Reporting Expectations

• Proficiency in the use of radios, smartphones, and secure communication platforms.
• Ability to use GPS navigation and route-planning tools effectively.
• Ability to accurately complete activity logs, incident reports, and required documentation in a timely manner.
• Comfortable operating within client and Cooke & Associates reporting, communication, and incident management systems.
• Use approved automation and AI tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness, in compliance with CAI confidentiality and client data requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and drive for extended periods.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain alert for extended periods while on task.
• Must be physically fit and able to walk approximately 3 to 5 miles per day in the course of protective duties.
• Ability to respond physically to emergencies, including protective movement of the Principal.
• Ability to safely and responsibly carry and deploy authorized equipment consistent with training and policy.

Who This Role Is Not For

This role is not suited for individuals seeking a driving-only position or a passive protective assignment. It requires consistent engagement, advance planning, administrative discipline during non-driving periods, and a discreet professional presence in a high-profile corporate environment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Cooke & Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.