HR Business Partner Unit DSS - H&W

About this position

Safety, health and innovation are essential in today’s rapidly changing world. At TNO, we leverage knowledge and technology to develop groundbreaking innovations that contribute to peace, security, vitality and sustainable employability.

As an HR Business Partner, you will support two strategically important TNO units: Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) and Health & Work (H&W).

The DSS unit focuses on research and technological innovation for defence, law enforcement, public safety and industry. Whether addressing physical or digital threats, our mission is to help our partners prepare for and respond to challenges through cutting-edge technology and expertise.

The H&W unit develops knowledge and solutions that contribute to people's health, vitality and sustainable employability. Its focus is on prevention, healthy living and working, and strengthening well-being within organizations and society.

In this role, you will help ensure that both units and their employees can perform at their best in a dynamic, complex and continuously evolving environment. Through strategic HR advice and active involvement in topics such as sustainable employability, talent development, and diversity & inclusion, you will contribute directly to building a future-proof and agile organization.

What will be your role?

As an HR Business Partner, you act as a trusted advisor and sparring partner to management on issues at the intersection of people and business. You support leaders in executing TNO’s strategy, the strategic objectives of DSS and H&W, and organizational change initiatives. You do this in alignment with TNO’s HR strategy while taking into account the specific context of both domains.

This is a broad and varied role in which you will:

• Advise management on topics such as organizational development, leadership, talent management, sustainable employability and team effectiveness.
• Proactively anticipate future workforce needs and optimize the deployment and development of talent across both units.
• Contribute to change initiatives and support the continued professional development of leaders and teams.
• Translate organizational needs and signals into effective HR solutions and policies that align with the strategic direction of DSS and H&W.
• Act as a connector between HR colleagues, management and employees, ensuring that HR policies and initiatives are effectively implemented within the organization.

As a true Business Partner, you serve as the first point of contact for HR-related questions and help identify practical and effective solutions, balancing organizational objectives with employees’ individual ambitions.

You will become part of a diverse and enthusiastic team of 22 HR Business Partners that operates on the principles of self-organization. Together, you share responsibility for supporting TNO’s various research groups. You will combine working from our locations with working from home, providing a varied and flexible work rhythm. Over time, there may also be opportunities to gain experience within other dynamic TNO units.

What we expect from you

In addition to your involvement in core HR processes such as Strategic Workforce Planning and Performance Management, you will actively contribute in the following areas:

• Providing solicited and unsolicited advice to management on the implementation of HR strategy, HR policies, processes and tools, supporting leaders in their management responsibilities and helping them achieve their objectives.
• Advising on and contributing to HR and organizational change initiatives.
• Enabling managers to effectively fulfil their HR responsibilities.
• Implementing centrally developed HR policies and HR instruments that support TNO’s strategic goals.
• Acting as a proactive sparring partner for management, employees and fellow HR professionals.

What you bring

• You are engaged, analytical and a true team player. You communicate clearly and persuasively. You work in a structured manner while remaining adaptable enough to adjust your approach when circumstances require it.
• You have several years of proven success in a comparable HR Business Partner role within complex and dynamic organizations. Experience in a knowledge-intensive and project-based environment is a strong advantage.
• You possess up-to-date knowledge of relevant employment legislation and labour law.
• You approach organizational challenges not only from an HR perspective, but also from a broader business and organizational perspective.
• You are able to quickly analyse organizational issues and translate them into practical HR solutions with tangible impact.
• You have excellent command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written, and a good command of English.

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 € 4.473,- en € 6.887,- (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.
• 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

Applications can be submitted until 12 July 2026.

The recruitment process consists of two interview rounds. During a final meeting, we will discuss your personalized employment package. We aim to complete the entire process within four weeks.

An online assessment and reference check may form part of the selection procedure.

As part of our onboarding process, you will be required to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

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 Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.