Research Manager Socio Economic Energy Transition Studies | Amsterdam

Socio Economic Energy Transition Studies works with an international, multidisciplinary team of social scientists, engineers, and economists on solutions to socio-economic issues of energy transition. The research focuses on the question within which conditions different target groups (citizens, governments, residents, businesses, etc.) can participate in the energy and materials transition. Are you ready to dramatically accelerate the energy and materials transition and build a fully circular economy? Join TNO as this department’s research manager.

The department
Working with an international multidisciplinary team of social scientists, the Socio Economic Energy Transition Studies research group consists of three expert teams:

• Societal Transition

• Welfare effects of the Green Transition

• Transition in the Built Environment

In this way, all teams include a combination of (technical) innovation, behavioural innovation, and options for incentive policies. 

Increasing attention for the energy and materials transition in general, and for our research results in particular, lie at the root of this research group’s rapid growth. This vacancy was created by splitting the Energy Transition Studies research group due to a major increase in staff over the past year. TNO operates as a non-commercial knowledge broker between public authorities, market parties, and knowledge institutions. The research group is highly regarded by our commissioning parties and collaboration partners, which include ministries in the Netherlands, the European Commission, organisations working on the energy transition of the built environment, industry associations, and other knowledge institutions.

What you will be doing
You’ll lead a team of 43 specialised and highly driven researchers, consultants, and project leaders. You’ll do this together with a deputy research manager and (optionally) a team leader. You’ll be working on the following tasks:

You’ll be responsible for the operational and financial management of the department. You will ensure that the personnel capacity of the department is in order through recruitment and selection as well as the optimal deployment of skills and competences within the teams. You will also oversee the progress of projects and ensure that deadlines are met, budgets remain under control, and meaningful results are achieved. 

You will set a clear common goal and ensure that targets are clear at departmental, team, and individual levels. You will align the department strategy with changing client demand and the vision and strategy of the SSE (System Solutions & Environment) division of which your group is a part. In this, you will work intensively with the divisional director, the market manager, proposition manager, knowledge manager, and your fellow divisional research managers. 

For employees, you will be a valuable sparring partner in terms of their personal and professional development. You will offer challenge, coaching, and support where necessary. You will provide constructive feedback and encourage mutual feedback between employees. In this way, you will build a team where employees are deployed based on their talents in an inclusive, open, and supportive culture.

Finally, you will be a member of the management team of the SSE division, an ambitious team with the aim of dramatically accelerating the energy and materials transition and achieving a fully circular economy. You will contribute to the connection within and performance of the division and EMT unit (Energy & Materials Transition).

You have extensive leadership work experience and a clear motivation to create solutions with demonstrable social impact through applied research. You’re strong in operational and financial management and are energised by realising frameworks within which employees can perform optimally. Your stakeholder management is in order, making you effective in an environment with multiple internal and external interests. You’re decisive and results-oriented: you can set a clear goal and are able to stick to it. By doing so, you offer employees focus, acquire position both internally and externally, and increase the visibility of the research group. You’re analytically strong and know how to separate main and side issues well.

As a leader, you’re people-oriented, and with your communication skills, you inspire, persuade, and coach employees of diverse nationalities. With the necessary humour and enthusiasm, you know how to get people moving, make sure they have fun at work, and use their talents. You encourage collaboration with experts within TNO and with external partners, such as universities and governments. 

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A university degree in a relevant field e.g. behavioural sciences, economics or psychology.
• A background or interest in the energy and materials transition, which will help you understand what your people are working on and help you define your strategy;
• Experience in leading research teams, including financial and operational management;
• Good command of spoken and written Dutch and English.

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 between € 6.418,- and € 9.138,- (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 25th of August. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place between the 2nd and 9th of September. 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.