Senior Business Development Manager Automotive | Japan

At TNO, we work on solutions that make mobility safer, cleaner and more efficient. In this role, you will lead our business development activities in Japan and play a key role in bringing innovative mobility technologies to market, making a significant difference in the world.

You operate at the intersection of industry, government and research, working on topics such as autonomous driving, electric vehicles and sustainable fuels.

In this role, you will be responsible for a significant part of our business portfolio and order intake in Japan, with contract research projects and joint R&D programs that contribute structurally to our Safe & Efficient Mobility and Sustainable Mobility roadmaps. You will bear responsibility for strategic business and partnership development and oversee a variety of key accounts in the private, public and academic sectors. In close cooperation with the team in the Netherlands, you will (co-)develop innovative propositions and position them with strategic stakeholders, accelerating our roadmap for smart and sustainable vehicles. In day-to-day operations, you will team up with research, program and project managers, and experts from relevant research departments in the Netherlands, on topics such as: connected cooperative and automated vehicles, safety assessment, electric vehicles, Electric powertrains for BEV, Fuel cell technologies, energy management and combustion engine technology for sustainable fuels, such as hydrogen and methanol.

In addition to the above, as TNO is active in various Smart & Sustainable Mobility topics, you are expected to support business development activities in other, related areas such as; Digital Infrastructure, V2X communication, Digital Twins, Traffic Management & Optimization, Mobility as a Service, etc. You will also be the liaison between Japanese clients and legal counselors at TNO headquarters to support contract negotiations. You work in a team of dedicated business developers and will report directly to the Regional Director Asia Pacific.

• Relevant Master’s or Bachelor’s degree (technical or commercial).
• Excellent understanding of the Japanese business culture; ability to advise foreign colleagues and stakeholders on doing business in Japan, including organising incoming business trips.
• Strong communication skills; fluent in Japanese and English language and ability to speak and/or present at public events.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a commercial role, with a proven track record in the Japanese Automotive industry.
• Experienced in establishing strategic partnerships and complex collaboration models with multiple stakeholders.
• Preferably, experienced in working with public & academic sector.
• Affinity with development and assessment of connected and automated driving technologies, including but not limited to; driver-vehicle interaction and driver monitoring, sensor fusion for world modeling and localization, motion planning, decision making, vehicle control, connectivity and active safety systems.
• Preferably, awareness on safety architectures design and standards for autonomous systems (example ISO 26262) and knowledge on development challenges in automatic testing an validation methodologies, human factors in automated driving, real-time performance and safety of AI-enables systems.
• Preferably, experiences with one or more Powertrain technologies such as electric vehicles, battery integration technology, (hydrogen) combustion, fuel-cells.
• Ability to grasp and master new technology concepts on a day to day basis.
• Proven and highly developed ability to operate both independently as within a team.
• Willingness to travel within and outside of Japan (on average twice a year to the Netherlands).

• 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 annual salary between 10-12 MJPY (based on your knowledge and experience).
• 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.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home.
• Commutation, domestic and oversea travel allowances.
• Overseas travel accident insurance.

Please note that employment terms and benefits for this position will align with Japanese standards, reflecting local laws and regulations, which may differ from the TNO Netherlands standards.

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, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 3th of May, 2026. 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.