Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management

Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in Federal Government prime contracting.
  • 5+ years of leadership/management experience with team oversight.
  • Successful negotiation of complex contracts and fee strategies.
  • Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS and their applications.
  • Experience managing high-value contracting activities.
  • Proven ability to lead through complexity and drive change.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
  • Experience using data for operational decision-making.
  • Excellent communication skills in all formats.
  • High integrity and sound judgment.
  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee day-to-day operations of a contracting organization for quality and compliance.
  • Partner with Group Head on strategic priorities and organizational performance.
  • Coach managers and develop high-potential staff for strong leadership.
  • Establish performance metrics for efficiency and decision-making improvement.
  • Advise on complex contracting strategies and negotiate high-impact issues.
  • Lead modernization efforts, including digital tools and AI solutions.
  • Collaborate organization-wide to enhance the strategic role of contracting.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a high-performing organization.
  • Engagement in strategic initiatives with potential for impact.
  • Opportunity to lead and develop talent in the contracting field.
  • Exposure to complex challenges and high-stakes negotiations.
  • Collaboration across various departments to elevate mission impact.
Full Job Description
Description

The Contracts & Asset Management Group is responsible for APL's prime contracting, estimating/pricing, asset management, NDA/Non-monetary agreement management, contract business systems, and contract closeout. Our vision is to be a trusted Laboratory partner and a center of excellence in contracting and related activities.

We are seeking a Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management to partner with the Group Head in leading a high-performing organization of approximately 50 professionals. This role operates within a shared leadership model, where responsibilities are aligned and coordinated to ensure seamless execution and full leadership coverage. The Deputy Head is primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the group, while contributing to strategic direction and organizational effectiveness.

As the Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management, you will:

  • Lead & Execute: Oversee the day-to-day operations of a large contracting organization, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely execution across a dynamic portfolio.
  • Shape Strategy: Partner with the Group Head to set priorities, align resources, and drive strategic initiatives that enhance organizational performance.
  • Develop Talent: Build and sustain a strong leadership bench by coaching managers, developing high-potential staff, and fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
  • Drive Excellence: Establish and leverage performance metrics to improve efficiency, transparency, and decision-making.
  • Provide Expertise: Advise on complex contract strategy, negotiations, and regulatory interpretation (FAR/DFARS), and support resolution of high-impact issues.
  • Innovate & Improve: Lead process modernization efforts, including adoption of digital tools and AI-enabled solutions to enhance contracting effectiveness.
  • Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate across the organization to deliver mission impact and elevate the role of contracting as a strategic partner.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

  • Possess a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
  • Have 10+ years of experience in Federal Government "prime contracting" within the private sector.
  • Have 5+ years of leadership and/or management experience with demonstrated ability to manage teams and exercise sound judgment.
  • Can demonstrate proven success negotiating complex contracts and developing contract and fee strategies.
  • Have deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS and their practical application.
  • Have experience overseeing complex, high-value contracting activities.
  • Can demonstrate the ability to lead in a complex environment, drive change, and execute effectively.
  • Possess strong leadership, mentoring, and relationship-building skills.
  • Have experience using data and metrics to inform decisions and improve operations.
  • Can demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Have high integrity and sound judgment.
  • Are able to ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

  • Possess a Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field.
  • Have experience leading at the group or section level, particularly within APL or a similar organization.
  • Have experience with Workday or similar HRIS platforms.

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Minimum Rate

$72,400 Annually

Maximum Rate

$222,500 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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