Research Manager Buildings, Infrastructure & Maritime | Delft

We are facing an enormous challenge. By 2050, we want all our existing and new residential and office buildings to be climate-neutral. We must ensure that our roads, railways and bridges are safe and reliable and that they remain so; ready for a future that incorporates new forms of mobility, keeping our cities, business parks, villages and rural areas accessible and habitable. The built environment must be resilient to the effects of climate change, and this must be achieved through a sustainable construction process with zero greenhouse gas emissions, no depletion of primary raw materials and by using sustainably produced materials. The feasibility and affordability of this transition present immense challenges. 

At the BI&M unit, approximately 200 employees are working on solutions aimed at facilitating the transition into a safe and sustainable living environment. All the unit's areas of expertise contribute to this, despite the fact that the topics of these projects can vary greatly. Consider, for instance, predicting the life cycle of a flood barrier, developing a new, circular building concept, or finding reliable calculation methods to assess the safety of ships and structures at sea when using new, sustainable fuels.

These issues are becoming increasingly relevant for our clients and stakeholders and have received a lot of attention in, for example, the recent coalition agreement. It is also becoming more important that our projects bring about innovation within the value chain using a comprehensive systems approach. This also requires new expertise and competences. The unit is expected to grow by approximately 20-25% in the next 3-5 years.

In order to accommodate this growth, we have decided to restructure from three larger to five smaller expertise groups as of 1 January 2023 in order to give sufficient attention and space to the desired cooperation and expansion of our expertise. This will create more time and focus for guiding and coaching employees in their development. In addition to growth, we also see that (new) market demands require closer cooperation between the areas of expertise that are spread across various groups. We want to be able to focus more on cooperation in the coming period, and the Research Managers play an important role in this. 

We are looking for 3 new Research Managers for our Unit. There are therefore several positions that require staffing, and we look forward to discussing the best match for you and the unit. If you want to further develop the unit with us, don't hesitate to apply so that we can meet the challenges of creating a more sustainable society. 

As a Research Manager, you’re driven by the desire to help your team grow and together contribute to the world of tomorrow. You recognise, appreciate, and encourage everyone’s talents. While also possessing a self-reflective quality. The better you know yourself, the better you are able to engage with your colleagues. This allows you to really connect with your staff and create an inspiring working environment, in which innovation, societal value, collaboration, and collegial relationships go hand in hand. You are able to cope well with opposition and setbacks. You understand the relationships within TNO, and are able to act decisively at key moments. You are able to look beyond yourself, as ultimately TNO or the unit's interests come first. It is therefore important that you don't lose yourself in details, but that you organise and delegate. You know how to match your TNO employees’ expertise with market demands.  When new topics arise, you make plans how to further develop the specific expertise needed and which research facilities are appropriate.

Additional knowledge and skills you will be bringing to TNO: 

• At least a university working level and intellectual ability, with an educational background in construction, mechanical engineering, physics, or equivalent.
• Management experience as a (deputy) manager.
• Experience with (financial) business operations, risk management, and QSHE.
• At least a B2-level command of Dutch and English.
• Affinity with (at least one of) the sectors relevant to us: construction, infrastructure or the maritime sector.

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.
• Travel allowance 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 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.