Vice President of Contract Operations

The Vice President of Contract Operations is an executive responsible for leading, managing, and expanding the organization's portfolio of contracts and business operations. This role ensures the organization delivers exceptional performance to federal, state, local, and commercial customers while achieving mission goals, maintaining full compliance with regulations, and driving strategic growth. The Vice President will serve as the primary executive liaison with SourceAmerica, Maryland Works, contract customer agencies, and key stakeholders, ensuring the organization remains a leader in the AbilityOne space.

The position requires deep expertise in federal contracting, large-scale operational oversight, regulatory compliance, and mission-driven workforce development for people with significant disabilities.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in collaboration with the Chief Operations Officer (COO) to develop and execute performance goals and objectives for AbilityOne and Contract Operations to accomplish the initiatives in the Strategic Plan for the contracting portfolio.
• Work in collaboration with the COO and the Strategic Growth department to diversify and expand the business base through new opportunities, re-bidding, and strategic partnerships.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Leadership and Board of Directors on federal contracting business operations, compliance, and program performance.
• Demonstrates successful execution of business strategies for Didlake services.
• Represents the organization in negotiations with customers and entities regarding contract-related work and other needs.
• Communicates Didlake's mission, vision, and values throughout the organization to create a corporate culture that supports the organization's needs.

Program & Contract Management

• Oversee operational performance for all AbilityOne, Maryland Works, and other business contracts, ensuring safety, completion of deliverables, quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain full compliance with all program and government regulations including but not limited to federal acquisition regulations (FAR), Service Contract Act, Davis-Bacon Act, and other applicable laws.
• Provide direct oversight to Assistant Vice Presidents, Directors, Operation Managers, and other positions supporting multiple large-scale service contracts and business services.
• Coordinates activities within the Contract Operations Department such as equipment purchase, maintenance, personnel, and sales.

Financial Stewardship

• Oversee a +$100M annual budget for contracting, ensuring fiscal responsibility, contract profitability, and resource optimization.
• Collaborate with finance department to prepare accurate forecasts, pricing models, and cost proposals for new and renewal contracts.
• Ensure compliance with cost accounting standards and internal financial controls.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead emergency and contingency planning for contract operations.
• Maintain organizational readiness for internal and external audits, including AbilityOne-related audits/reviews and federal agency inspections.
• Lead responses to corrective actions, ensuring timely and effective resolution of issues.
• Monitor emerging regulatory changes impacting the AbilityOne Program, federal procurement, and other factors.

Customer & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the senior relationship manager for key contracting officers, AbilityOne Program representatives, and partner agencies.
• Represent the organization at industry forums, meetings, and industry events.
• Build and maintain trust with customers through transparency, responsiveness, and performance excellence.

Mission & Workforce Development

• Champion the organization's mission to create and sustain employment for individuals with significant disabilities.
• Work with Human Resources Leadership to ensure contracts meet or exceed labor, employee relations, and benefits requirements while promoting upward mobility opportunities.
• Partner with HR and training departments to develop career pathways and training for employees with disabilities.
• Conduct performance evaluations of the Contracts Operations Leadership Assistant Vice Presidents and other direct report Contract Operations staff as needed.
• Provides leadership to staff by fostering accountability, teamwork, and collaboration.
• Fosters an atmosphere that promotes Human Rights for all and ensures training, incident reporting, and awareness of responsibilities of all personnel regarding Human Rights matters.
• Other duties as assigned.