Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 72,400 - 222,500; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management to co-lead a ~50-person group, manage day-to-day operations, and shape strategic initiatives. The role emphasizes delivering high‑quality, compliant contracting, and leveraging data to drive performance.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in federal prime contracting, 5+ years in leadership, and deep FAR/DFARS knowledge. A Top Secret clearance is required for selected applicants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field.
• 10+ years in Federal Government prime contracting in private sector.
• 5+ years of leadership/management experience.
• Proven experience negotiating complex contracts and fee strategies.
• Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS and practical application.
• Experience overseeing high‑value contracting activities.
• Ability to lead in a complex environment and drive change.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience using data/metrics to inform decisions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• High integrity and sound judgment.
• Must be able to obtain Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of a large contracting organization.
• Partner with Group Head to set priorities and align resources.
• Develop and mentor managers; build leadership bench.
• Establish performance metrics to improve efficiency and transparency.
• Advise on contract strategy, negotiations, and regulatory interpretation.
• Lead process modernization and AI-enabled contracting tools.
• Collaborate across the organization to deliver mission impact.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Data-driven decisions

Stakeholder management

Contract strategy

Negotiation

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Master’s degree in Business Administration (preferred)

Tools

Workday or HRIS

Job description

Description

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.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$72,400 Annually

Maximum Rate

$222,500 Annually