Ops & Infrastructure Leader, Department Operations

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 72,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an Assistant Group Supervisor for Department Operations and Infrastructure to lead REDD's Central Operations and supervise a team of business professionals and functional leads.

You will shape strategic priorities, oversee financial planning, procurement, facilities, and other shared services, and partner with enterprise departments to enable research excellence and operational transparency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, management, or another relevant field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• At least two (2) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in business operations or related management functions.
• A thorough understanding of UARC business practices and applicable government regulations.
• A demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, and develop staff while cultivating strong relationships across the organization.
• Strong collaboration skills, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Demonstrated creative thinking and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.
• A demonstrated ability to make sound decisions under pressure and in the presence of uncertainty.
• A demonstrated ability to drive solutions while balancing perspectives.
• Exceptional integrity, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage all levels of staff and sponsors.
• A proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
• Are able to obtain a Secret, 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision to strengthen foundational operations capabilities while driving innovation and enhancing the team's impact across REDD and APL.
• Lead a team of business professionals and functional leads by providing coaching, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Lead the continued development of REDD's Central Operations organization by establishing capabilities, defining roles and responsibilities, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Lead the Central Operations organization, including recruiting, staff development, performance management, workload balancing, succession planning, and day-to-day administrative oversight.
• Provide strategic oversight of REDD's financial planning, budgeting, procurement, facilities, logistics, and other shared operational services.
• Partner with REDD leadership to establish operational priorities, anticipate future business needs, and align resources to support Department strategic objectives.
• Communicate effectively across all levels to ensure clarity on processes, procedures, analyses, and project and initiative status.
• Identify and implement process improvements that streamline operations, increase efficiency, and standardize business practices.
• Champion the development and deployment of advanced business tools, analytics, and visualizations to enhance decision-making and operational transparency.
• Cultivate exceptional partnerships with APL Enterprise Service Departments to support and enable REDD's business, operations, and facilities functions.
• Lead or support strategic Department initiatives and special projects that advance REDD's operational excellence and long-term objectives and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/management

Master's degree (MBA) preferred

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an Assistant Group Supervisor for Department Operations and Infrastructure to lead REDD's Central Operations and supervise a team of business professionals and functional leads.

You will shape strategic priorities, oversee financial planning, procurement, facilities, and other shared services, and partner with enterprise departments to enable research excellence and operational transparency.