Assistant Group Supervisor - Procurement

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Procurement Group is responsible for APL's commercial and non-commercial purchases, subcontracts, construction contracts, furniture procurements, real estate leasing, and Small Business Resource Office. Our vision is to be a trusted Lab partner and a center of excellence for procurement. We are seeking an Assistant Group Supervisor (AGS) to partner with the Group Supervisor in leading a high-performing organization of 70+ procurement professionals. This role operates within a shared leadership model, where two AGSs collaborate closely, divide responsibilities, and provide seamless leadership coverage. Over time, responsibilities will rotate to build broad organizational insight and leadership depth. As a Procurement Assistant Group Supervisor, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader responsible for: Shared Leadership Model Partner closely with the Group Supervisor (GS) and fellow AGS to align priorities, strategy, and execution across the Procurement Group Share responsibility for group performance, staff engagement, and operational outcomes Provide full leadership coverage in the absence of the GS and/or other AGS Rotate leadership responsibilities over time to develop comprehensive understanding of all aspects of group operations Organizational Leadership Partner with the Group Supervisor to shape and implement the strategic vision, structure, and priorities for the Procurement Group Establish and implement performance metrics and accountability frameworks that drive transparency, consistency, and continuous improvement Lead workforce planning efforts, including aligning staffing and organizational structure to meet evolving mission needs Collaborate across the Department and Laboratory to strengthen partnerships and maximize procurement’s impact Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and respect for different perspectives Staff Development & Performance Management Ensure Section Supervisors are effectively managing staff performance, development, and accountability Conduct skip-level engagements to maintain awareness of staff morale, challenges, and development needs Lead and support performance management actions, including coaching and progressive discipline when necessary Inspire and empower staff to achieve technical excellence, problem-solving capability, and continuous improvement Identify and develop high-potential staff and build leadership bench strength Ensure staff are provided meaningful opportunities for growth aligned with organizational needs Operational & Technical Leadership Perform quality and technical reviews of complex procurements (e.g., >$500K) to ensure sound business judgment and compliance Provide expert guidance on contract strategy, negotiation, and interpretation of FAR/DFARS and other regulatory requirements Support staff in resolving complex contractual and business issues Analyze procurement data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and establish key performance indicators to inform decision-making Drive procurement efficiency initiatives while maintaining strong compliance and risk management standards Process Improvement & Innovation Lead efforts to modernize procurement processes through automation, digital tools, and responsible use of AI Identify opportunities to enhance existing tools and implement new capabilities that improve efficiency, compliance, and user experience Ensure staff are trained and equipped to effectively leverage systems and tools Promote a forward-leaning culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement Operational Execution Ensure the group has the resources, tools, and infrastructure required to meet mission needs Support development of scalable processes that enable growth and adaptability Help optimize workflows across sections to improve efficiency and responsiveness Assist in strengthening partnerships with internal customers to enhance procurement’s value and mission impact

Requirements

Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a business-related field
Have at least 10 years of experience in Federal Procurement, Contracting, and/or Subcontracting
Have at least 5 years of experience leading and/or managing staff with demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion
Demonstrate success in leading and managing teams in a complex environment
Have demonstrated expertise in federal procurement regulations (FAR/DFARS) and their practical application
Have experience managing or overseeing complex, high-value procurements
Demonstrate the ability to think strategically and lead change while ensuring sustainable execution
Have outstanding leadership attributes, including the ability to motivate, inspire, and hold staff accountable
Demonstrate the ability to mentor, develop staff, and build strong relationships across organizational boundaries
Have experience using data and metrics to drive operational and strategic decisions
Possess excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to operate effectively in a team environment
Exhibit unquestionable integrity and sound judgment
Are able to ultimately obtain a 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.

Nice To Haves

Have 12+ years of professional experience, including significant procurement or contract management leadership experience
Have demonstrated success leading at the group or section level, particularly within APL or similar environments
Have experience leading organizational transformation, process improvement, or modernization initiatives
Have experience implementing or leveraging procurement systems, analytics tools, or AI-enabled solutions
Demonstrate strong strategic visioning capability and a track record of achieving measurable outcomes

Responsibilities

Partner closely with the Group Supervisor (GS) and fellow AGS to align priorities, strategy, and execution across the Procurement Group
Share responsibility for group performance, staff engagement, and operational outcomes
Provide full leadership coverage in the absence of the GS and/or other AGS
Rotate leadership responsibilities over time to develop comprehensive understanding of all aspects of group operations
Partner with the Group Supervisor to shape and implement the strategic vision, structure, and priorities for the Procurement Group
Establish and implement performance metrics and accountability frameworks that drive transparency, consistency, and continuous improvement
Lead workforce planning efforts, including aligning staffing and organizational structure to meet evolving mission needs
Collaborate across the Department and Laboratory to strengthen partnerships and maximize procurement’s impact
Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and respect for different perspectives
Ensure Section Supervisors are effectively managing staff performance, development, and accountability
Conduct skip-level engagements to maintain awareness of staff morale, challenges, and development needs
Lead and support performance management actions, including coaching and progressive discipline when necessary
Inspire and empower staff to achieve technical excellence, problem-solving capability, and continuous improvement
Identify and develop high-potential staff and build leadership bench strength
Ensure staff are provided meaningful opportunities for growth aligned with organizational needs
Perform quality and technical reviews of complex procurements (e.g., >$500K) to ensure sound business judgment and compliance
Provide expert guidance on contract strategy, negotiation, and interpretation of FAR/DFARS and other regulatory requirements
Support staff in resolving complex contractual and business issues
Analyze procurement data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and establish key performance indicators to inform decision-making
Drive procurement efficiency initiatives while maintaining strong compliance and risk management standards
Lead efforts to modernize procurement processes through automation, digital tools, and responsible use of AI
Identify opportunities to enhance existing tools and implement new capabilities that improve efficiency, compliance, and user experience
Ensure staff are trained and equipped to effectively leverage systems and tools
Promote a forward-leaning culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement
Ensure the group has the resources, tools, and infrastructure required to meet mission needs
Support development of scalable processes that enable growth and adaptability
Help optimize workflows across sections to improve efficiency and responsiveness
Assist in strengthening partnerships with internal customers to enhance procurement’s value and mission impact

Benefits

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.
Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

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