Program Executive Brightlands Circular Space | Geleen

Be a catalyst for change in plastic circularity! As the Program Executive at Brightlands Circular Space, you’ll spearhead efforts to create a sustainable future. We’re seeking an innovative leader to manage operations and foster collaboration among key partners, creating a vibrant ecosystem and driving impactful results.

Brightlands Circular Space is an initiative of Brightlands Chemelot Campus, Maastricht University and TNO. These organizations bring together knowledge, resources and determination to accelerate the transition to circular plastics, in line with European goals for plastic recycling and a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.
Brightlands Circular Space offers entrepreneurs, researchers and consortia an advanced environment and expertise for research, development, analysis, as well as testing and scaling up for the reuse of plastics. Starting up around summer 2026, these capabilities will be combined in a new open demonstration facility at Brightlands Chemelot Campus.

The role
The Founding Partners of BCS have set up a Steering Committee (the BCS board) in which one representative sits on behalf of each Founding Partner with an adequate mandate from within their own organization. The Steering Committee's task is to monitor and promote the purpose and ecosystem of Brightlands Circular Space and oversees the strategic development of Brightlands Circular Space in the longer term and the joint ambitions and cooperation of the Founding Partners in this context. 

As Board member of BCS you are working closely together with the BCSF BV (Brightlands Circular Space Facilities BV), which is responsible for setting up and operating the facility. You act as an orchestrator to steer and coach all stakeholders towards success for BCS. 

You are responsible (together with the other founding partners) to realize the overall business case of BCS over a period of 10 years as well as securing the following responsibilities on behalf of TNO:

• Define and approve the strategic business guidelines for the BCSF BV;
• Expansion of activities;
• The admission of a third party into the cooperation as a Strategic Partner;
• The content agenda and development of partnerships within BCS;
• The joint application by the (majority of the) Founding Partners for grants;
• Formation of consortia/collaborations that are/become customers;
• The joint external representation in various bodies and/or on various stages;
• The coordination of the projects that members of the Steering Committee wish to carry out, alone or with other members or third parties, within the BCSF BV;
• Managing joint acquisition/BD with the deployment of BD from the founding partners;
• Developing and possibly adjusting the Business Plan in the interim, monitoring the progress of the realization of the Business Plan and guiding the BCSF BV in realizing the budget and investments.

As a Board member of BCS you represent TNO in the BCS board and are responsible for the strategic alignment with various stakeholders within TNO. You ensure that TNO fulfills its obligation under the BCS contract and put everything into play to realize the business case of BCS. When applicable you will connect with the shareholder of TNO for BCS to align or finetune the overall approach.

You report your progress to the TNO strategic operational meeting at least on a quarterly basis. Together with the concerned research manager, you motivate and facilitate TNO’s employees in the execution of their tasks. You ensure TNO is clearly positioned within the field and are responsible for communication and the organization of events. You’re a national and international figurehead for BCS, as well as within Brightlands Chemelot Campus’ ecosystem. In addition, you maintain the relationship with the province of Limburg and other knowledge institutions/universities in the region.

Market experience, substantive expertise, and leadership skills come together in this versatile and dynamic role. Knowledge of and experience in the plastics industry is a must. Important is insight into how technological innovations can find their way into the value chain of plastic products. 

For this role, TNO requires someone with extensive experience:

• Setting up and implementing strategies for collaboration;
• Technical experience in the plastics industry, knowing how the value chain of plastics is working;
• Relevant network in the plastics industry and SMEs;
• Co-creation and acquisition of innovative and knowledge-intensive programs;
• Setting up and developing roadmaps with their associated knowledge, valorization, and marketing plans, and developing and maintaining relationships with customers and partners;
• Functionally managing knowledge workers in a matrix organization in which market teams and expertise groups are constantly aligning;
• Experience in eco-system building and especially experience in the Brightlands Chemelot Campus and regional network;
• Experience in the European, national, and regional work fields, both in relation to Public Private Subsidies and directly with SMEs and multinationals, with whom you create relevant alliances and large-scale, public-private collaborations;
• Proven experience with topics as sustainability and circularity is a plus.

And the following skillsets:

• You’re entrepreneurial and commercial, working together closely with customers and external partners (in co-creation, as a service provider, or initiator), anticipating potential future needs;
• You have a deep understanding of the knowledge/innovation industry of materials/plastics and have had many years of relevant experiences in this domain;
• Financial knowledge and experience. Experience with governmental incentive programs for research is an advantage;
• You’re capable of handling innovation and technology development at various maturity levels and product valorizations;
• You have experience leading and inspiring groups, especially in an R&D environment;
• You’re a connector, stimulating and realizing cooperation, both internally and externally;
• You understand the culture of the Brightlands ecosystem and are an enabler to build sustainable relationships both within the eco-system as well as with external parties.

Besides offering a full time position (32-40 hours per week), TNO understands that every employee has different needs. TNO offers flexible terms of employment “a-la-carte”, in which you can exchange various terms of employment against each other on a monthly basis. With flexible working hours (e.g. 4x9 hours) and different leave arrangements you can create a package that serves your needs. TNO believes in the importance of both your personal and professional development. There are many possibilities to shape your own development: Conferences, educations, workshops, intervision and mentoring. At TNO you are in the lead of your own career.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. In addition to a maximum gross annual salary between €98.501 and €138.656 (depending on your knowledge and experience. In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself. 

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• A good pension scheme.
• A modern mobility policy including 100% public transport reimbursement for commuting and business travel using a Mobility Card.
• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• 28 days annual leave and 5 compensation days under the reduction in working hours scheme (ATV, arbeidstijdverkorting) on a full-time basis.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 30th of March, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.