Experienced business developer human & economy for the energy transition

TNO approaches the energy transition from a multidisciplinary perspective. This means that experts from various backgrounds develop knowledge, models and tools on a range of topics to realise our future energy system. As a business developer, your focus is on developing and marketing our value propositions within the energy transition. You work closely with partners and researchers. Together, you identify societal challenges and potential solutions.

As a Business Developer, you will work with governments and market parties. Together with partners, you develop programmes within the ecosystem. You are also involved in direct sales to TNO's growing customer base (including both governments and companies) and in expanding TNO's business and partner network. You are responsible for decisively carrying out the business development process: from initiating business opportunities through to the realisation of assignments, including consortium formation, contract negotiations and after-sales processes.

Additionally, you support the management of the TNO Energy and Material Transition (EMT) unit in developing and validating the proposition portfolio.

You are part of the EMT System Solution & Environment Division. This division demonstrates the impact of new policies and technologies, designs system solutions, facilitates societal transition, and assesses environmental effects. One of the areas of expertise is the role of human behaviour and the influence of the system on behaviour. Socio-economic aspects are a key focus in the energy transition, which is often still viewed only from a technical perspective. For example, at TNO we conduct concrete research into topics such as public support and citizen engagement, the role of energy communities, grid congestion, energy poverty and justice, the potential for behavioural change, the role of SMEs, and the attractiveness of new technologies and products for end users. We examine the effect from individual behaviour through to system change. We make research results applicable to solutions that are technically and economically feasible, where human behaviour is crucial for successful realization.

Read more about these studies here.

You work closely with partners and researchers, including social scientists and business development colleagues; all are experts in energy transition. This requires a balance between autonomy and teamwork. You are familiar with the role of people, behaviour, and systems in developing the future energy system. You have the ability to switch easily between concrete topics, such as tackling grid congestion or allocation issues and alternative economic concepts. You can translate these challenges into the deployment of (economic) expertise and vice versa. Thanks to your experience, you understand how innovations add value and how to turn implementation challenges within a broad ecosystem into opportunities. You move effortlessly between governments, public organizations and companies working on the energy transition. You utilize your network to jointly realize solutions that truly make an impact. You build sustainable relationships, develop new propositions, and create opportunities for innovative collaborations

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A master’s degree in a social science discipline and affinity with energy and material transition, combined with at least five years of experience in a business development role, including experience in both business-to-government and business-to-business opportunity development;
• Experience in building (public-private) collaborations;
• The knowledge and experience to handle the entire business development process, from gathering initial market insights, co-developing propositions, managing opportunity development, to actually entering into agreements;
• Experience working in a research and technology-oriented environment;
• International work experience is an advantage;
• Fluent in Dutch and English.

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 € 4.500,- and € 6.700,- (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.
• 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 November 30th, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on December 11th, 2025. The second interview round has been scheduled for December 16th or 18th, 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.