Experienced Project Manager Building Materials & Structures

To address the societal challenges in construction and infrastructure, sustainable innovations are essential. As a project manager in the Building Materials & Structures department, you translate ambitions into well-managed projects. In doing so, you actively contribute to a liveable future for everyone. The Building Materials & Structures department works on a wide range of solutions for the transition towards a safe and sustainable living environment. Examples include assessing the service life of structures and developing new sustainable (bio-based) materials for construction and infrastructure.

As a project manager, you lead project teams typically consisting of 4 to 10 subject-matter experts. While your involvement is more from the sidelines in terms of content, your core responsibility is to guide projects effectively, align closely with clients and stakeholders, and support and empower your team.

Under your leadership, projects are delivered successfully. You ensure that contractual agreements and budgets are adhered to and that the client is satisfied — even when the outcome differs from what was initially expected. At the same time, you pay attention to positive visibility and stimulate maximum learning effects among technical colleagues.
You are given a great deal of freedom to work in a way that suits you, and there is ample opportunity to spar and exchange experiences with other project managers. On average, project managers work on four to eight projects or one or more programmes simultaneously — which means plenty of variety!

As an experienced project manager, you will focus on larger and more complex projects. These may include multidisciplinary projects that span your team, department, or even the entire unit. Your projects may involve research, knowledge development issues, or consultancy assignments. You will carry these out for or together with government bodies, companies in the design, construction and engineering sectors, and for example housing associations.

In addition, we participate in leading-edge projects in collaboration with other research institutes within European consortia. Through this work, you contribute to innovative solutions such as extending the lifespan of infrastructure and buildings or developing sustainable and safe structural solutions for construction and infrastructure.
Within the Building Materials & Structures department, you will become part of a diverse, international group of approximately 50 colleagues, divided across three expertise teams with backgrounds in civil engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, building engineering, and more. Depending on your background and interests, you will be based in one of these teams — but regardless of the team, working at Building Materials & Structures is varied, innovative and impactful.

Ensuring that projects run smoothly and that collaboration between parties flows effortlessly is what you enjoy most. You speak the language of subject-matter experts and clearly demonstrate your added value in discussions with external partners. You excel at switching between projects and stakeholders, always bringing out the best in your team.
For every project, you set a clear goal on the horizon and continuously ensure that all parties remain aware of this objective. You are also comfortable with administrative tasks; thanks to your accurate and structured way of working, everyone knows exactly where they stand and what the project status is.

What else do you bring?

• A university (MSc) degree, preferably in civil engineering, (mechanical) engineering, physics, building physics, innovation management or industrial design.
• At least six years of experience as a project manager, preferably in a research environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, in both Dutch and English.
• Preferably IPMA-C certified or equivalent.
• Experience in leading innovation projects in the construction and infrastructure sector is an advantage.
• Experience with subsidy programmes, such as the TKI allowance scheme and/or Horizon 2020, is an advantage.

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 € 5.000,- and € 7.400,- (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.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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 1st of March, 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.