Strategy Director

The Netherlands is in the middle of a period of profound societal transitions. Issues relating to safety, sustainability, health, and digitalisation directly affect the daily lives of every resident. TNO plays a unique role in this: as the Netherlands' largest independent R&D provider and venture builder, we develop pioneering innovations that contribute to a safer, healthier, more sustainable, and digitally connected society. Our mission is clear and ambitious: to create impactful innovations that enhance the sustainable well-being and prosperity of our society. Our motto sums up this ambition: Innovation for life.

TNO's strategic plan functions as an 'offer to society' and gives direction to how we use our knowledge, innovation power, and partnerships for maximum societal and economic impact. The plan is based on three pillars: valorisation with impact, growth through focus, and a well-defined customer focus. Within this strategic framework, the Strategy department plays a decisive and direction-setting role.

Strategy department
The Strategy department promotes, coordinates, and monitors the strategic process within TNO. Drawing on in-depth expertise, the team supports the Executive Board and unit boards in strategy development, portfolio management, and the implementation of strategic choices. The department provides analyses, scenarios, and advice that enable TNO to deliberately set a well-defined strategic course and effectively translate it into robust execution.

The department consists of around 10 passionate strategy professionals who – in close collaboration with internal and external partners – continuously hone and operationalise the strategic plan and make it measurable.

Director of Strategy
As Director of Strategy, you will lead this team of highly skilled professionals and will be responsible for the further development, implementation, and anchoring of the TNO strategy. You will report directly to the Managing Director Strategy, Marketing & Communications and be part of an experienced and multidisciplinary MT.

In this role, you will monitor the balance between strategic direction, the organisational ability to realise goals, and employee engagement and growth. You must be able to easily make your way within a multifaceted stakeholder environment that includes scientists, administrators, ministries, companies, and partners from different sections of society.

Strategy development

• Developing and further developing the TNO Strategic Plan, in intensive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders (Executive Board, ExCo, ministries, strategic partners).
• Managing and periodically reassessing the TNO portfolio, focusing on propositions that both achieve societal impact and strengthen economic earning power.
• Initiating and preparing strategic explorations of sub-areas of the portfolio, based on in-depth internal and external analyses.

Strategy implementation

• Establishing, monitoring, and reporting on the performance of the various organisational units (based on strategic KPIs) and using this as a basis for advising the ExCo members and the Executive Board on actions to be taken to increase organisational performance, in line with the strategy and Integral Unit Plans.
• Coordinating strategic initiatives and facilitating Executive Committee discussions and Executive Board decision-making.
• Promoting and monitoring strategic change processes.
• Developing internal communications and employee engagement around strategy, and helping shape external positioning and messaging in collaboration with Communications.

Management

• Being in charge of strategy managers within the various units.
• Managing and coaching analysts at group level.
• Strengthening collaboration with internal stakeholders (Executive Board, Finance, HR, Units) and external partners in government, knowledge institutions, and the business community.

Experience (10–15 years) with:

• Strategy development within complex, knowledge-intensive organisations, for example as an internal strategy manager or strategy consultant.
• Implementation of strategy at both structural/content level (structures, KPIs) and people-oriented level (culture, behaviour).
• Managing highly skilled professionals, from junior to senior level.
• Navigating administrative, political, and societal complexity.

Competences:

• Excellent analytical and conceptual ability, combined with clear judgment.
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written, and visual.
• Results-oriented and decisive, with an eye for relationships, collaboration, and support.
• A coaching and connecting leader with an inspiring style that makes people feel they can rely on you.
• Knowing how to link a strategic vision to decisiveness and collaboration.

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.
• 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.
• 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 28th of December, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package.

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 Information and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

For more information about the job or the procedure, you can contact us.