Project Manager for Intelligence and AI Decision Support

Conflicts, crime, and subversive activities threaten our safety worldwide. To counter these threats, we work within the Intelligence & Decision Support (IDS) department on innovative research and its application for our security partners. IDS supports, among others, the Ministry of Defence and the Police in making the best-informed decisions and executing semi-automated actions they can rely on. We achieve this through applied research and by developing innovative ideas. For example, using intelligence for Defence, creating decision-support models for the Public Prosecution Service, and applying NLP to analyze criminal messages.

As a project manager, you will join the Intelligence & Decision Support (IDS) department, which consists of 35 dedicated experts with backgrounds in applied mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, criminology, and intelligence. They collaborate with security partners on projects that can be complex in nature and scope. Under your leadership, these projects will be successfully developed, executed, and delivered. You ensure clear expectations and high-quality work, meeting agreed timelines and budgets. You make sure both the client and team members are satisfied—even when things take unexpected turns or results differ from initial expectations. The team is central, and you will guide and coach your colleagues to bring out the best in themselves and the project.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team with experts from various fields, both within and outside IDS, in close collaboration with clients and partners. As project manager, you will simultaneously manage 2–5 projects of varying sizes and actively contribute to initiating new research projects. In this role, you are the link between subject matter experts and stakeholders. Your task is to keep projects on track, ensure alignment with the team, clients, and stakeholders, and enhance TNO’s visibility through publications and presentations.

You will have plenty of freedom to work in a way that suits you, with opportunities to consult and share experiences with other project managers. IDS is a diverse department that regularly organizes activities to exchange knowledge and experiences—and, of course, to have fun both inside and outside work.

As a project manager, you can strike the right balance in projects, ensuring strong technical results, client satisfaction, team spirit, and efficient use of resources (time and budget). You speak the language of technical experts and can translate complex content for other partners. You excel at switching between projects and stakeholders, achieving great outcomes for both the project and the team. For every project, you set a clear goal and keep all parties aligned. Your precise and structured approach ensures everyone knows what to expect and the current project status.

You hold an academic degree—such as in artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, data science, linguistics, or business analytics—or have developed equivalent expertise through experience, enabling you to quickly grasp what the professionals in your team work on daily. You also have demonstrable affinity with the Defence and Security domain. You have at least five years of experience leading (project) teams of 5–10 people (or larger) and are eager to grow further in this role. Strong communication skills, soft skills, and a client- and results-oriented mindset are essential for working collaboratively toward outcomes that deliver value for our partners. You are fluent in both Dutch and English, spoken and written.

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 € 4,000 and € 6,200 (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.
• Access to TNO’s project managers guild: a network of some three hundred equals. The guild organizes workshops, conferences, intervision sessions and other activities for project managers.
• 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 3rd of February, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first interview round is planned on the 11th of February, 2026 and the second interview round on the 25th of February, 2026. 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.

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.