Management Assistant

About this position

At TNO, we work every day on smart solutions for tomorrow's big challenges, from secure technology to sustainable innovation. That only works if the basics are covered. Within the ICT, Strategy & Policy (ISP) unit, that's where you come in: you're the steady factor that managers and researchers can rely on. It's no coincidence that TNO has once again been named the Netherlands' Most Attractive Non-Profit Employer this year.

What will be your role?

As a Management Assistant, you make sure everything runs smoothly for the research managers and their teams within the ICT, Strategy & Policy (ISP) unit. Thanks to your support, they can fully focus on their research and projects. You manage agendas and mailboxes, organise meetings, keep overview and make sure things are handled accurately and on time.

Your role is varied and dynamic. No two days are the same. You constantly switch between different tasks and largely decide for yourself how to organise your day. Together with your colleagues from the secretariat, you support the departments and managers within the ISP unit. In this role, you support two managers and their teams.

You also work closely with the location manager to help make the site a pleasant and inspiring place to work. This includes helping organise joint activities, both internally and at local events in the area. In addition, you provide facilities-related support for crisis management, such as helping organise training sessions for team members.

Your tasks include, among others:

• Managing agendas and mailboxes.
• Planning, preparing and supporting meetings.
• Answering questions about processes and systems within TNO.
• Supporting administrative and organisational tasks.
• Arranging facilities-related matters, meetings and events.
• Organising onboarding activities for new colleagues.
• Processing orders and administrative requests.
• Checking correspondence, quotes and documents for correct Dutch and English.

You are also an important point of contact for employees across the organisation. You think along, spot opportunities for improvement and take initiative when processes can be made more efficient.

You'll be given plenty of room to shape your own work. As long as you report well to your manager, you're free to decide how you take ownership of your responsibilities.

Good to know: the managers you support work across various TNO locations in the Netherlands. Your home base is Groningen. Hybrid and part-time work is possible, though some flexibility is also expected.

What we expect from you

You're proactive, service-oriented and organisationally strong. You see what needs to be done, can set priorities well and switch easily between different tasks. You communicate clearly, keep your commitments and stay on top of things even when it gets busy.

You also have:

• A completed education at a minimum MBO-4 level, preferably in management assistance or secretarial support.
• Some experience as a management assistant, personal assistant or secretarial employee.
• Good communication skills in both Dutch and English, spoken and written.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Word.
• The ability to quickly get up to speed with new systems and processes.

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 € 2,763 and € 3,840 (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

TNO has once again been named the Netherlands' Most Attractive Non-Profit Employer (Randstad Award, for the fifth time). Read more on tno.nl.

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 6th of September, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 14th of September. 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.