Deputy Manager Legal Contracting | The Hague

As Deputy Legal Contracting Manager at TNO, you will work at the cutting edge of the latest technology and contribute to solutions for societal issues such as climate change, safety, mobility, defence, ICT, and medical diagnostics.

You will work within the Legal Contracting department, part of the overall Legal, Compliance & IP department. The Legal Contracting department consists of around 35 highly driven legal professionals. The department consists of three teams and a pool of flexible workers. The Coordinators are in charge of case allocation and are responsible for the legal quality of the team’s output. As Deputy Manager, you will be responsible for the development and supervision of the Legal Counsels. You will do this together with the Coordinator of the relevant team. You will serve as the line manager of the Legal Counsels in the three teams. The Coordinators fall under the Legal Contracting Manager.

We are looking for a colleague who will work with the Legal Contracting Manager and the three Coordinators to ensure that this department, which consists of driven, enthusiastic and committed employees, is optimally facilitated to function well in the coming years. Your duty will be to create the right framework conditions. This also means that, in case of a suboptimal relationship between the Legal Counsel and the business representative, you will actively contribute to a resolution. In case the Legal Counsel needs substantive legal guidance, the Coordinator will be involved. 

You will serve as Deputy Manager under the Legal Contracting Manager. You will focus on supporting and facilitating the daily operational work of the Legal Counsels as well as their personal development.

As a Deputy Manager within Legal Contracting, you will make genuine connections with employees and create an inspiring and safe working environment for them. You are an excellent organiser and have a talent for connecting people. With input from the Coordinators, you will contribute to the personal development of the Legal Counsels and know how to take cooperation within the department to the next level. You understand the relationships within TNO and dare to make decisions when it matters. You have demonstrable affinity with legal issues and developing, coaching, and mentoring employees. 

The Deputy Manager position is part of the Leadership Team (LD), where you will grow in operational leadership.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• An academic working and thinking level;
• A relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree;
• Demonstrable experience managing professionals;
• A minimum of four years’ experience as a line manager;
• A results-focused and proactive mindset;
• The ability to organise and prioritise your work well;
• Strong communication skills and a natural tendency to seek cooperation and connection.

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 € 6,700 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.
• 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 8th of February, 2026. The selection process comprises one interview round with two interviews. 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 Information and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.