Science & Technology Manager Acoustics & Underwater Warfare | The Hague

Introduction
Want to make your mark on our time? One thing is certain: in a world of turmoil, we are making a difference on the front line with knowledge and technology! Will you rise to the challenge as Science & Technology Manager Acoustics & Underwater Warfare?

Safety and security cannot be taken for granted. Sometimes, you have to fight for peace. There is always a frontline somewhere, where history is being written. The impact on our armed forces of rising tensions around the world, especially the ongoing struggle over Ukraine, is huge. The knowledge and technology needs of our founding partner, the Dutch Ministry of Defence, are evolving and changing more quickly, the pace is accelerating and research and development budgets are growing fast. By extension, the focus on our national (homeland) security is also intensifying, for instance in the fight against worsening drug-related crime in the Netherlands.

This is where knowledge and technology make the difference and we translate that into our mission! The Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) unit is divided into the following five divisions: Human & Organisational Effectiveness, Electromagnetics & Military Operations, Acoustics & Underwater Warfare, Autonomous Systems & Decision Support and Protection, Munitions & Weapons. For the division Acoustic & Underwater Warfare, we are looking for a Science & Technology Manager. The Acoustics & Underwater Warfare division combines all acoustic expertise in TNO with in-depth knowledge of military and other underwater operations and an extensive set of research facilities. Underwater sensor and communication technology, underwater signatures and signature management, mine countermeasures, torpedo defence and seabed security are key application areas in this regard. Acoustic expertise is also used for applications outside the security sector, such as the development of ultrasonic technology for non-destructive inspection of chips in the semiconductor sector. The Dutch Ministry of Defence is the division's main partner.

The division also collaborates intensively with partners and clients nationally and internationally, including internationally leading companies at home and abroad. The departments in The Hague that make up this division are: Acoustic Signatures & Noise Control, Underwater Operations & Seabed Security, Acoustic Sensor & Sonar Systems and Instrument Manufacturing The Hague.

What will you be doing?
As Science & Technology Manager, You will be responsible for operationalising the unit’s science and technology strategy within the division, adjusting research programmes, and identifying new topics and opportunities. How can we ensure a knowledge and technology portfolio that makes the most of our expertise in the short and long term? And what innovations and partnerships will ensure our leading position in the future? Your vision and advice on these issues will be invaluable. You will also be a leading advisor to our partners and clients in shaping their strategic direction for the future.

You will monitor the scientific quality of research and development within the division and promote the development of relevant substantive knowledge and technology on topics that transcend the research group and division. Together with the Director of Science & Technology Christa Hooijer, four fellow Science & Technology Managers, and over ten Principals, you will make up the unit’s knowledge team. At unit level, you will be co-responsible for the input of knowledge and technology development into the unit plan. Together with the other Science & Technology Managers, the Director of Science & Technology, and the programme managers, you will contribute to the drafting of the Demand-Driven Programmes and Early Research Programmes and the elaboration of the S&T parts of the unit propositions.

You will be programme sponsor for the defence target funding programmes relevant to the division, both in the development phase and during implementation. You will guide programme managers in the preparation of expenditure agreements for new target funding programmes. During implementation, you will monitor governance and make adjustments as needed.

You will report to the Division Director. Together with the three Research Managers you will form the division’s management team, under the leadership of the Division Director. Together, you will be responsible for the ins and outs of the entire division. This means being actively involved in and thinking about areas such as finance, investment, market approaches, and identifying new talent and development opportunities in science and technology.

Unit DSS has four strategic objectives for the coming years. (a) We will be a strong catalyst for the Netherlands Defence & Security Industrial base, giving the Dutch government and industry more strategic autonomy and leverage; (b) We will deliver our impact much faster; (c) We will develop our entire portfolio through joint strategic programming with our key partners and clients; (d) We will create an inspiring place to work and grow for everyone. We challenge you to contribute to realising these objectives.

You like seeing things from a broader perspective and viewing them in context and over time. You’re good at gaining and maintaining an overview in complex situations, able to quickly grasp underlying structures and systems, and are focused on looking ahead and anticipating future developments.

You have a good feel for the dynamics in organisations and political-administrative relations. You have a keen eye for relevant developments and the various players in the different markets. Your vision, persuasiveness, and inspiring leadership make it easy for you to get others on board with the plans and collaboration you envisage.

You have an affinity for international collaboration, sharing your work and seeking out experts in an international context. You’re able to easily recognise the leading experts in different fields at a global level. When collaborating with experts from various countries, you’re able to quickly identify who is leading and setting the tone in substantive discussions and you can respond effectively.

It is essential that you have demonstrated successful experience in collaborating substantively with partners in both the public and private sectors of the security domain. For instance, our armed forces and national police alongside international partners like NATO and EDA or DARPA. You should also have experience with large national and international companies where the pace of business is high, and international technological competition is fierce. You can navigate and operate effectively within these differences. You possess up-to-date knowledge of the (inter)national defence and security domain.

We value an existing relevant network, but we also appreciate your ability to actively and successfully create, maintain, and develop networks.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to this position at TNO:

• You are capable of collaborating on an equal footing with top experts in the field of science and technology.
• You possess extensive technological-scientific knowledge and are able to communicate your knowledge well with highly educated subject matter specialists.
• You have experience guiding highly skilled specialists in their professional development.
• You preferably have a PhD or comparable experience in a field relevant to the division.
• You preferably have experience with the division’s knowledge and technology base and fields of research.
• You are proficient in both spoken and written Dutch and English at an academic level.

Do you recognise yourself in our leadership profile?
At TNO, we welcome people who aspire to shape the world of tomorrow.. By inspiring with a clear vision of the future. But also by creating an inclusive environment for diverse generations and perspectives. Embracing differences comes naturally to you, and you like to take colleagues along with you. In any case, you get energy from guiding, motivating and facilitating professionals in a way that suits them. You help them discover their potential and believe in it. And you challenge them to push their boundaries.

Your focus is outward. You are aware of what is happening around us. With an entrepreneurial mindset, you build relevant networks, monitor trends and explore opportunities to develop knowledge and technology, allowing us to stay at the forefront. This enables you to create solutions for issues and challenges that really matter. You understand that these challenges are constantly evolving and that technology is developing faster than ever. You understand what is expected of you. That you adapt to the times and continuously adjust your leadership style to new situations. That’s excellent, as it fosters innovation in your leadership.

Good to know: this profile fits with a number of competences we select for. Want to know which ones? Request them from the contact person at the bottom of this vacancy. During an assessment, we will evaluate whether you possess these competencies and identify areas for further development.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). 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:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• 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, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

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 23rd of November, 2024. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 4th or 5th of December, 2024. 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.

As you will be working for clients in the domain of defence and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by AIVD (The Dutch General Information and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.