Strategic Contracts & Asset Management Leader

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management to partner with the Group Head in leading a ~50-person organization. The role oversees day-to-day operations, shapes strategy, and develops leadership talent, while driving process improvements and innovative contracting solutions.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in federal prime contracting, 10+ years of experience, and deep FAR/DFARS knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in Federal Government “prime contracting” within the private sector.
• 5+ years of leadership and/or management experience with demonstrated ability to manage teams and exercise sound judgment.
• Proven success negotiating complex contracts and developing contract and fee strategies.
• Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS and their practical application.
• Experience overseeing complex, high-value contracting activities.
• Ability to lead in a complex environment, drive change, and execute effectively.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience using data and metrics to inform decisions and improve operations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• High integrity and sound judgment.
• Ability to obtain Top Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship).

Responsibilities

• Lead & Execute day-to-day operations of a large contracting organization ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely execution.
• Shape Strategy by partnering with the Group Head to set priorities and align resources.
• Develop Talent by coaching managers and high-potential staff, fostering accountability.
• Drive Excellence by establishing performance metrics to improve efficiency and decisions.
• Provide Expertise on contract strategy, negotiations, and regulatory interpretation (FAR/DFARS).
• Innovate & Improve through process modernization and AI-enabled contracting solutions.
• Strengthen Partnerships by collaborating across the organization to advance mission impact.

Skills

Federal contracting exp.

Leadership & mentoring

Negotiation skills

Regulatory knowledge FAR/DFARS

Data-driven decision making

Communication skills

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Master’s degree (nice to have)

Tools

Workday HRIS

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management to partner with the Group Head in leading a ~50-person organization. The role oversees day-to-day operations, shapes strategy, and develops leadership talent, while driving process improvements and innovative contracting solutions.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in federal prime contracting, 10+ years of experience, and deep FAR/DFARS knowledge.