Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management

Job overview

The Deputy Head of Contracts & Asset Management is an onsite role based in Washington, DC. Compensation is not specified, and this position supports the Contracts & Asset Management Group at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), which provides critical expertise to national defense and science challenges. This role exists to partner with the Group Head in leading a team of approximately 50 professionals. The incumbent oversees day-to-day operations, contributes to strategic direction, and ensures organizational effectiveness through a shared leadership model.

What you'll do

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the contracting organization
• partner with the Group Head to set priorities and align resources
• coach managers and develop high-potential staff
• establish performance metrics
• advise on complex contract strategy, negotiations, and FAR/DFARS regulatory interpretation
• lead process modernization and digital tool adoption
• strengthen organizational partnerships.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

full-time

day shift

washington dc

contracts

asset management

leadership

far

dfars

security clearance

onsite

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and training and development.

Why this role

Shared leadership model, focus on process modernization and AI-enabled solutions, and support for high-impact national defense missions.

About the employer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is hiring for this role. Industry: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Sector: 54.