Business Developer for Liveable Cities and Regions

Help build a sustainable future for all!

Do you want to play a key role in shaping a liveable world? You can do so as Business Developer for Liveable Cities and Regions in the TNO MBE unit. In this role, you’ll make an important contribution to our ambition to work with the government, businesses, and knowledge institutions to create a more sustainable living environment.

In the TNO MBE unit, we work with 480 passionate professionals from all over the world on sustainable solutions for the living environment. Together with the national government, businesses, and knowledge institutions, we’re accelerating the Netherlands' sustainability and strengthening the economy. Our unit consists of nine research groups and several research facilities, where experts collaborate on innovation.

What do we do?
From sustainable building materials to predictive infrastructure maintenance, and from smart mobility systems to efficient batteries for electric vehicles – the MBE unit combines expertise to optimise the balance between safety, sustainability, and efficiency in the living environment. All with the aim of ensuring a liveable future for everyone.

One of the goals we’re working on is called 'liveable and robust cities and regions'. As part of this goal, we’re working on sustainable and efficient solutions for mobility, urban planning, and use of space for the rural and urban environment. The changing climate and other substantial disruptions are becoming increasingly important in our work. We work for businesses and public authorities seeking solutions and we support businesses developing innovative products and services. 

See more about the TNO Mobility & Built Environment unit and the Liveable Cities and Regions group. An inspirational video is also available on Youtube.

What will you be doing?
As a Business Developer at TNO, you’ll have the challenging task of developing new programmes and obtaining assignments within the objective of 'liveable and robust cities and regions'. Your main focus will be on sustainable mobility and/or climate adaptation. Central questions for innovation programmes include 'how do we transition to sustainable mobility and what does this mean for cities?' or 'how do we ensure that the mobility system is resistant to the changing climate?' or 'how do we design our living environment in a climate-adaptive way?'. We’ll determine your focus based on your expertise and network.

• Your responsibilities include identifying opportunities and needs and shaping innovative projects in line with current developments and challenges within these areas.
• You’ll establish contacts and build bridges with companies, government agencies, and knowledge partners to forge strategic partnerships, contributing to the implementation of impactful solutions to societal issues.
• You’ll work closely with TNO experts. Together, you’ll formulate project proposals. You’ll form consortia that bring together relevant stakeholders. You’ll tap into funding sources, conduct contract negotiations, and conduct the transaction. Furthermore, you’ll maintain customer relations and expand your network. You’ll also represent TNO and promote our ambitions (at conferences, for example).

The 'Built Environment' market team is your home base. You’ll work together with 13 colleagues, motivated business developers, who focus on different domains, including energy transition, circular and industrial building, infrastructure, and digitalisation. You’ll also work closely with researchers and scientists from TNO's research groups, because working on liveable cities and regions requires deployment of various areas of expertise from TNO and other knowledge institutions. With us, you’ll find a pleasant, open working atmosphere in which we support, inspire, and learn from each other.

Working at the interface of scientific concepts and tangible innovations gives you energy. Connecting people and getting them excited about your proposals, even when interests sometimes clash, is in your DNA, as is collaborating, because together we achieve the best results. You’re sensitive to our clients’ concerns and know how to find the question behind the question. You’ll also coach our experts, thereby optimally positioning them to meet their clients’ and society’s needs.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• An university degree relevant to our work on sustainable mobility and climate adaptation.
• A minimum of 3 years' work experience, as well as a network in sustainable mobility and/or climate adaptation within the built environment. Don't you have extensive experience in this field yet? In that case, your strong interest in this sector is what drives you to get involved.
• Relevant work experience in developing innovation projects and collaborating with various stakeholders.

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 or a leased car.
• 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 12th of January, 2025.The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on week 4 and 5 of 2025. The second interview round has been scheduled for week 6 and 7 of 2025. 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.