Business Developer sustainable buildings - Functional coatings & films | Geleen

As a business developer, you will work on developing and marketing new value propositions. With TNO's wide range of technical disciplines, system knowledge, and experience, you’ll support companies, industrial clusters, and institutions in the transition from fossil to sustainable material and energy management.

The goal of the position is to develop and market our value propositions. In this position, you will be business developer in Brightlands Materials Center's Sustainable Buildings team. Brightlands Materials Center is a joint innovation center of TNO, Brightlands Chemelot Campus and the Province of Limburg. In this role, you’ll primarily intensify the further development and application of our Sustainable Buildings platform with a prime focus on functional coatings and polymer films for energy efficient smart windows and photovoltaics, such as SunSmart (thermochromic windows) and SunPrism (coloured BIPV solar panels) . TNO is taking the steps to bring these technologies to the market. The Sustainable Buildings program also entails new technological leads at lower TRL level, e.g., coatings and polymer films that facilitate re-use of old flat glass in new windows, which need further development, in collaboration with Dutch and international companies.

We do this in bilateral industry funded projects, but also in multi-partner subsidy projects. As a business developer, you’ll support companies throughout the entire value chain, with a main focus on the flat glass and building industry as a start. You will connect with glass processors, coating applicators, polymer film producers, solar companies, building companies and real estate developers. Core activities include the development and sale of R&D projects related to technology, contract negotiation and licensing arrangements, conducting market research, and expanding TNO's industry and partner network. You’ll also support the management of the Industry division of TNO's Energy & Materials Transition unit in developing and validating the proposition portfolio.

The role offers a good balance between autonomy and teamwork. You’ll work closely with industrial and academic partners and scientists, engineers, and business development colleagues at TNO, all experts in the field of functional coatings and polymer films for sustainable buildings. Together, you’ll identify industry challenges and possible scientific and technological solutions that can be implemented at the client's location.

TNO is preparing a go-to-market strategy for its SunSmart thermochromic window coating. The spin-off will be realized in 2025. It is an option that the business developer will join the spin-off as sales director, responsible for bringing in new customers, signing licensing deals and potentially bringing in additional new technologies into the spin-off.

Location for this position: Brightlands Materials Center in Geleen, with ample opportunity for flexible working.

Based on your industry experience and other experience, you understand the value of new technology options and know how to solve the challenges of implementing these new technologies in a broad ecosystem. In this role, your commercial acumen and negotiation, networking, and coaching skills are key success factors for building successful public-private partnerships. You’ll be involved in developing new propositions and selling 'industry first'. This means real business development, bringing together business opportunities, organisations, and technologies for new solutions.

Our ideal candidate has at least:

• A university science degree preferably in a science discipline (e.g., chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, applied physics);
• 5+ years' experience in a similar position, preferably in the flat glass, coating or polymer film industry;
• Experience working in a research and technology-oriented environment;
• International experience and willingness to travel are a plus;
• Knowledge of and a network in the building industry is a plus;
• At least B2 proficiency in 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 € 5.539,- and € 7.396,- (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.
• 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 15th of November, 2024. Applications that come before the end-date will be taken into process accordingly. We want to emphasize that interviews will take place with suitable applicants before the end-date. The selection process comprises three 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 Good Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.