Medior Business Developer Sustainable Shipping

The maritime sector is on the verge of a major transition: towards zero-emission ships, smart integration with offshore energy, and circular production processes. TNO plays a connecting and accelerating role in this transformation. Within our Safe & Sustainable Maritime & Offshore (SSMO) proposition, we collaborate with companies, knowledge institutions, and governments on safe, sustainable, and future-proof innovations. Examples include the Maritime Master Plan (hydrogen, methanol, LNG + carbon capture for zero-emission ships) and the Sector Agenda for the maritime manufacturing industry (digitalization, robotization & nuclear shipping). Circularity in the production process is also an important theme. Do you want to contribute to positioning TNO as a leading innovator in this sector? Then this is your chance.

As a Business Developer within the Safe & Sustainable Maritime & Offshore (SSMO) proposition, part of the Mobility & Built Environment (MBE) unit, you play a key role in linking market needs with TNO’s technological knowledge and innovation power. The SSMO proposition focuses on the civil side of the maritime domain and acts as a hub for multidisciplinary collaboration within TNO. In this role, you will work closely with a core team of four people (focusing on market, operations, and knowledge), and with three Product-Market Combinations (PMCs): Green Maritime Performance, Offshore Renewable Energy, and Ship Safety & Reliability.

You are the one who reaches out within the maritime domain, identifies the innovation needs of stakeholders, and translates them into new market opportunities. You take an active role in shaping collaborations, developing new project proposals, and setting up strategic consortia, focusing on both contract research and public-private partnerships. You think ahead, anticipate market developments, and contribute to themes such as the energy transition at sea (including hydrogen, methanol, LNG and carbon capture), digitalization, robotization, nuclear shipping, and circularity in the maritime manufacturing industry. Thanks to your efforts, our models, sensor technologies, and test facilities are further developed and valorized in the market.

In addition, you actively represent TNO in leading bodies such as the Maritime Knowledge Centre, Netherlands Maritime Land, Netherlands Maritime Technology, and TKI Water & Maritime. From your BD role, you participate in committees, expand the network, and connect external challenges with internal expertise groups within TNO. You work closely with ministries (such as I&W and EZ), provinces, and maritime regions. Your ultimate goal? To further shape the SSMO proposition and connect it with other TNO propositions, to optimally use our knowledge for societal impact, and to strengthen TNO’s position as a leading innovator in the maritime domain both nationally and internationally.

As a medior Business Developer Sustainable Shipping, you have experience in initiating and developing innovation projects. You can clearly formulate current knowledge questions and translate them into project proposals, and you have either a relevant technical background or work experience in the maritime field, for example in shipping or the navy.

Next to this you have:

• Experience with portfolio management and product or knowledge development, combined with an integral overview of the maritime sector and its networks and regulations.
• A good overview of the maritime sector, including the networks and relevant legislation and regulations.
• You are strong in communication, connecting, proactive, and a true team player.
• You know how to strengthen international relations, particularly within Europe and Asia.
• Preferably, you have knowledge or experience with the use of methanol and hydrogen as energy carriers in 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 between € 4,400 and € 6,000 (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.
• 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, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 16th of October, 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.

As you will be working for clients in the domain of defence and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by AIVD (the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.