Management Assistant to the Managing Director of Unit ISP

About this position

The ISP unit operates at the intersection of technology, strategy, policy, and societal impact. Themes such as AI, digitalization, digital resilience, innovation, and collaboration with government, industry, and knowledge partners all play a significant role. That makes ISP a dynamic environment: strong in content, relevant at the administrative/governance level, and constantly in motion.

As Management Assistant to the Managing Director, you're close to that dynamic. You pick up on a great deal of what's happening within the unit and help bring structure, calm, and progress to it. You are a trusted sparring partner in the day-to-day organization: sharp on planning, careful with information, sensitive in contact, and considerate where needed.

What will be your role?

You support the Managing Director across the full breadth of his work. You take charge of a complex agenda, monitor progress, and ensure that appointments, actions, and decision-making run smoothly. You organize meetings, gatherings, and work visits, prepare them, and make sure the right information is available at the right time.

The role calls for both structure and decisiveness. On one hand, a solid foundation: an agenda that's accurate, appointments that hold, documents that are in order, and an organization where nothing falls through the cracks. On the other hand, initiative and perseverance: you don't wait around, but set things in motion, actively keep a finger on the pulse of ongoing actions, and make sure commitments are actually followed through. You course-correct where needed, even if that means a bit of gentle pushing.

You are also an important link between the director, colleagues within ISP, other parts of TNO, and external relations. You actively maintain and build a network, including with partners such as ministries, and invest in good working relationships on your own initiative. You keep an overview, spot what needs attention, and bring structure where a lot is happening at once.

In short: you make sure the Managing Director can focus on the substance and direction of the organization, because you make sure everything around it runs like clockwork.

What we expect from you

You are an experienced Management Assistant, Executive Secretary, Executive Assistant, or comparable professional who is well established in the field. You understand what it takes to properly support a management environment and feel at home in an organization where a lot happens at once.

In addition:

• You have extensive experience in management or executive support;
• You work independently, proactively, and with a sharp sense of priorities;
• You take initiative and follow through until things are truly arranged;
• You connect with people easily and build a network effortlessly, both within TNO and with external partners;
• You communicate excellently in Dutch and well in English;
• You are digitally skilled and accustomed to working with Microsoft 365;
• You are discreet, organizationally sensitive, and a pleasant sparring partner for colleagues at various levels.

A bachelor's degree (hbo) is not required. We consider it more important that you have hbo-level working and thinking ability, and know from experience what professional management support requires. For the right candidate, there is ample room for development, from targeted training courses to a broader development track.

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 € 3,095 and € 4,179 (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

Please apply before the 4th of October. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 12th of October. The second interview round has been scheduled for the 19th of October. 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 Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.