Business Developer Energy‑Positive Build Environment

About this position

• Smart control of heat pumps based on thermal forecasting and Model Predictive Control to reduce simultaneous demand peaks while maintaining comfort.
• Energy profile forecasting for congestion free homes, utility buildings, and neighborhoods: a design model that accurately predicts electricity demand during the planning phase.
• Dynamic flexibility forecasting for utility buildings and collective systems: a model that predicts available flexibility and helps avoid penalties or unnecessary investments.
• Development of technologies for all electric public real estate, such as schools and hospitals.

• Identify market needs, opportunities, early adopters, and new partnerships.
• Support researchers with market exploration and help refine propositions.
• Assess, together with TNO Ventures, which solutions are suitable for spin offs or licensing models.
• Build collaborations with companies, governments and other research institutions.
• Develop project proposals and form consortia for innovation programs.
• Conduct client meetings, manage contract negotiations, and maintain relationships across the broader ecosystem.
• Represent TNO at conferences, trade fairs, and relevant professional networks.

What will be your role?

You are energized by working at the intersection of innovation (technical and social), societal impact and entrepreneurship. You connect interests, assess market potential and guide strategic decision making with clarity.

You also bring:
- A master’s degree in (technical) business administration, architecture, energy engineering, or a comparable field.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in the energy transition, the built environment, innovation and/or business development.
- Experience with acquisition, consortium building and public private collaboration.
- Affinity with energy flexibility, building installations, heat pumps or digital design models is a strong plus.
- Experience with spin off creation, IP valorisation or licensing models is a clear advantage.
- Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English, a collaborative mindset, and experience in developing strategic market positions at senior level.

What we expect from you

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What you'll get in return

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 € 4,600 and € 7,400 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13^th 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 plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse 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 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

Please apply before the 17th of May 2026. The selection process comprises two or three 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.