Jurgens Benade

Results-driven Security Operations Leader with 21 years of progressive experience managing security programs across high-risk environments within the energy, defense, and corporate sectors throughout Africa and the Middle East. Demonstrated success in maintaining operational readiness across geographically dispersed locations, ensuring effective mobile and static force deployment, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and maintaining security system integrity in complex operating environments. Highly experienced in incident command, escalation management, and corrective action implementation, with all frameworks strictly aligned with regional regulations and international standards.

Recognized for providing strong leadership to site supervisors, multinational security teams, local-national personnel, and third-party service providers, I am adept at driving operational excellence, enhancing security performance, and delivering rapid crisis response under strict escalation timelines in conflict and high-threat zones. Ultimately, I combine strategic oversight with hands-on operational leadership to ensure the total protection of people, assets, and business continuity objectives.

APT Team Leader - Control Risks Group - North Rumaila/Basra, Iraq

(2022-12 - 2025-12)

• Commanded personnel and asset protection operations, serving as the primary operational focal point for security and travel risk management for a multinational team.
• Spearheaded continuous threat landscape monitoring and intelligence analysis, identifying emerging risks to deliver actionable, risk-based mitigation strategies to senior leadership.
• Enforced and ensured compliance across all operations with corporate security policies, host-nation regulations, and international standards.

Security Specialist - Freelance - South Africa

(2021-10 - 2022-11)

• Provided expert risk assessments, compliance reviews, and security advisory services for corporate clients in South Africa.
• Built strong relationships with key local stakeholders and supported the development of tailored security protocols.
• Advised on personnel and travel risk management, including journey planning and mitigation strategies for domestic and field operations.

Assistant Team Leader - Mesopotamia Lions Security - Basra, Iraq

(2021-08 - 2021-10)

• Supported daily security operations, SOP compliance, and readiness for personnel movements.
• Liaised with local law enforcement and authorities to enhance site and travel security.
• Delivered staff briefings and coordinated emergency response planning.

ECP Supervisor - Sallyport Global Services - Balad Air Base, Iraq

(2017-12 - 2021-01)

• Directed entry control points, access protocols, and rapid incident escalation processes to guarantee the secure movement of personnel and travellers.
• Supervised and mentored a diverse, multinational workforce, maintaining meticulous incident logs and enforcing strict compliance with international security guidelines.
• Delivered specialized risk assessments, rigorous compliance reviews, and strategic security advisory services to safeguard client assets and operations.

Operations Liaison Coordinator - Repsol Oil & Gas - Kurdistan Region, Iraq

(2013-08 - 2015-07)

• Acted as the central liaison for corporate security and field operations, conducting SRAs and developing location-specific security plans.
• Led the safe evacuation of expatriates during high-threat situations (ISIS advances), managing personnel accountability and risk mitigation.
• Coordinated with local authorities, security forces, and stakeholders to align operations with international risk management standards.

Team Leader - Aegis Defense Services - Al Amara, Iraq

(2010-01 - 2013-06)

• Directed mobile operations, convoy protection, and VIP travel security for Personal Security Detail (PSD) teams in high-threat environments.
• Evaluated and optimized and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for high-risk movements, ensuring robust incident logging and significantly enhanced emergency response capabilities.
• Designed and delivered targeted training programs for national staff, focusing on advanced threat mitigation, surveillance detection, and strict access control protocols.

Team Member - Kaber Security - Johannesburg, South Africa

(2009-05 - 2009-11)

• Participated in mobile cash-in-transit operations.
• Application of counter-surveillance, evasive driving, and journey risk management protocols during CIT movements.
• Conducted training for national staff in threat mitigation, surveillance, and mobile operations.

PSD & Venue Security Manager - Unity Resources Group - Baghdad, Iraq

(2007-02 - 2009-03)

• Provided VIP protection and mobile security operations, including travel risk assessments and the implementation of required emergency procedures.
• Updated SOPs for high-risk movements, maintained incident logs, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.
• Trained staff in physical security, incident reporting, and risk mitigation.

Force Protection / Static Security - OSSI / Safenet Security Services - Habbaniyah, Iraq

(2005-05 - 2006-12)

• Supported force protection measures, surveillance, and crisis response protocols.
• Conducted training for national staff in threat mitigation, surveillance, and access control.
• Provided expert risk assessments, compliance reviews, and security advisory services for clients.

Reconnaissance Platoon Group Sergeant - South African National Defense Force - South Africa

(1995-01 - 2005-01)

• Led small teams in Battalion level reconnaissance operations, tactical intelligence gathering, and threat assessments in diverse terrains.
• Trained personnel in survival, small-unit tactics, and operational discipline up to Bn level standards.
• Supported force protection measures, surveillance, and crisis response protocols in risk adverse environment.

CSMP® Diploma - International Security Management - International Security Management Institute (ISMI)