Project Manager Sustainability and Digital Transformation in the Built Environment

Do you want to play a key role in the energy transition and contribute to innovative solutions within the built environment? As a Project Manager for Sustainable and Digital Construction at TNO, you’ll coordinate groundbreaking projects. You’ll collaborate with leading market players and ensure that complex research and innovation projects run smoothly. With your technical knowledge and organisational skills, you’ll make a direct impact on the transition toward a safe and sustainable living environment. Ready to leave your mark on the future of the built environment? Then read on and find out how you can make a difference!

Under your leadership, research and innovation projects are successfully delivered. You ensure that contractual agreements are honoured, budgets and timelines are met, and clients are satisfied—even if the outcome isn’t the initially expected solution (after all, this is research). Meanwhile, you focus on generating positive visibility, encouraging learning, and fostering strong collaboration among content experts. You’ll have plenty of freedom to work in the way that suits you best.

On average, project managers handle 4–5 projects or one or more programmes simultaneously—so variety is guaranteed! As a more experienced project manager, you’ll take on the larger and more complex projects. These often involve multidisciplinary teams and may span across teams, departments, or even the entire unit. Your projects may include research, knowledge development, or consultancy assignments. You’ll work for or with clients such as government bodies, companies in the design, construction and engineering sectors, and/or social organisations like housing associations. In addition, we collaborate in leading (inter)national consortia with research institutes and industry partners.

An example of such a project is a TKI-funded innovation project with a total budget of €800K, of which approximately €350K is allocated to TNO. In this project, TNO collaborates with five external partners, and colleagues from three different departments across two units are involved. As project manager, you are engaged throughout the entire process: from acquisition (such as shaping the overall content, financial planning, and involving partners), to execution (possibly coordinating the entire project; at the very least coordinating TNO’s part, including communication with partners and the funding body), to the final phase (including reporting, knowledge dissemination, and valorisation).

As a Project Manager for Sustainable and Digital Construction, you’ll work within two departments of the Mobility & Built Environment (MBE) unit: Digital Built Environment (DBE) and Buildings & Energy Systems (BES). Within the DBE department, you’ll be part of a diverse team of 25 enthusiastic colleagues. Together, you’ll contribute to innovative digital solutions in construction, such as extending the lifespan of infrastructure and buildings, accelerating the energy transition in the built environment, and enabling automated object assessments using AI. We bridge cutting-edge digital technologies with real-world construction practices to deliver value for our clients.

The BES department consists of 34 professionals actively engaged in the energy transition in the built environment. Key topics include sustainable indoor climate systems, retrofitting existing real estate, and making healthcare real estate more sustainable.

Ensuring projects run smoothly and that collaborations flow effortlessly—that’s what you do best. You speak the language of engineers while also showing your added value in conversations with other stakeholders and when maintaining strong client relationships. You’re a pro at switching between projects and stakeholders and always get the best out of your team. In every project, you clearly define the long-term goal and keep your team aligned with it. You’re also not afraid of administrative tasks; thanks to your precise and structured approach, everyone knows exactly what’s expected of them and where the project stands.

What else do you bring to the table?

• A Master’s degree or PhD, preferably in physics, (mechanical) engineering, building physics, industrial engineering, innovation management, industrial design, civil engineering, or mathematics;
• At least 7 years of experience as a project manager, preferably in a research environment;
• Experience leading innovation projects in the construction and engineering sectors is a plus;
• Experience with grant schemes, such as the TKI allowance or Horizon 2020, is a plus;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch (at least C2 level) and English (at least B1 level);
• Preferably an IPMA-C certification or equivalent.

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 € 5.500,- and € 7.500,- (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.
• Access to TNO’s project managers guild: a network of some three hundred equals. The guild organizes workshops, conferences, intervision sessions and other activities for project managers.
• 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, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before 24th of August 2025. 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.