Business Developer Future of Work – Productivity, Innovation and AI Adoption

At TNO Health & Work, we are shaping the future of work. How do we ensure that people remain healthy, productive and adaptable in a world that is changing at lightning speed? Within the Future of Work proposition, we develop innovative solutions that increase sustainable labour productivity, stimulate learning and innovation, and enable a skills-based labour market. Our goal is a labour market in which people and organisations remain agile, and where technology contributes to quality of work, productivity growth and broad prosperity. As a Business Developer Productivity, Innovation and AI Adoption, you will play a key role in achieving this ambition.

As a Business Developer with a focus on productivity, innovation and AI adoption, you act as the linchpin between technological innovation and market application. You identify opportunities in sectors such as construction, engineering and industry, and translate TNO’s knowledge and innovations – ranging from AI tools to productivity tooling – into concrete value propositions and revenue models.
You collaborate with technology suppliers, industry partners, ICT and software companies, and work closely with industry associations such as FME. You develop business cases and drive scaling through commercial trajectories, public-private partnerships and subsidy programmes. In addition, you build ecosystems in which companies, government bodies and knowledge partners collaborate to accelerate innovation adoption and the transition towards a skills-based labour market.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Identifying and refining innovation needs and developing market propositions around innovation, AI adoption and productivity improvement.
• Building strategic partnerships with technology suppliers, ICT companies, industry associations and innovation-driven organisations.
• Developing business cases and scaling initiatives through public-private partnerships, subsidies and commercial routes.
• Creating ecosystems in which companies, government and knowledge partners collaborate and apply innovations.
• Positioning TNO as a thought leader in human-centred technology and Industry 5.0, in collaboration with other TNO units.

We are looking for an experienced Business Developer who recognises themselves in the following profile:

• A strong network in technology and industry (e.g. FME, ICT suppliers, smart industry hubs), industry associations and/or sector funds.
• Understanding of and affinity with themes such as labour productivity, skills-based labour markets, AI applications and healthy workplaces.
• Demonstrable, extensive experience in business development and ecosystem development.
• Strong commercial and strategic skills, a solid understanding of customer needs, and well-developed storytelling and pitching abilities.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, externally oriented, proactive and results-driven.

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 € 6,000 and € 8,500 (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 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 the 22nd of January, 2026. 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.