Senior Business Developer Biobased Chemicals

About this position

You know the European biobased chemicals market and understand how new functional molecules and building blocks make their way into industrial applications. You combine an existing network with the energy and discipline to actively approach new organisations, initiate first discussions and build a broad commercial pipeline. You work systematically and with discipline to build and maintain a broad commercial pipeline, even where there is no existing relationship or concrete customer request.
You have sufficient technical expertise to be credible without needing to have all the technical answers yourself. You ask incisive questions, understand value chains and application needs, and know when to involve TNO experts. You are able to discuss uncertainty openly and guide partners through an innovation pathway in which the technology, application and business case are developed together. You feel comfortable working in long-term, non-linear B2B processes and see a “not now” as market information and a reason to open other doors.

What will be your role?

You will actively develop the market for new biobased chemicals and technology platforms. Rather than selling a ready-made product, you will work with customers and partners to develop innovation and scale-up programmes in which the final technical solution and business case still need to be further validated. You will systematically map relevant European market segments, value chains and decision-makers. You will identify where companies face pressing challenges, for example due to changing regulations, sustainability targets, feedstock risks, security of supply or pressure to make production processes more sustainable, and translate these drivers into concrete business opportunities.
Next to this, you will leverage and expand your network in the (biobased) chemical industry and actively engage with new industrial partners. You will independently develop new leads and opportunities, even where there is no existing relationship or concrete request.You will conduct open, consultative discussions with R&D, innovation, technology and business stakeholders to understand their needs, challenges and commercial drivers.Together with TNO experts, you will translate market needs into value propositions, feasibility studies, R&D projects, pilot and demonstration programmes, or multi-year collaborations. You will connect parties across the value chain, from feedstock and technology providers to chemical producers, application companies and brand owners. You will qualify opportunities, build and maintain a sufficiently broad pipeline, and actively manage progress from initial contact and first discussions through to projects, partnerships or licences. You will represent TNO and Biorizon at relevant trade fairs, conferences and networking events in the Netherlands and Europe. You will work closely with scientists, engineers, project managers and other business developers, involving them in commercial opportunities at the right time.
In addition to biobased chemicals, you will also develop opportunities related to process intensification, including the transition from batch to continuous processing and the more efficient scale-up of chemical processes. Where appropriate, biobased fuels and SAF may also be part of your portfolio.

What we expect from you

You know the European biobased chemicals market and understand how new functional molecules and building blocks make their way into industrial applications. You combine an existing network with the energy and discipline to actively approach new organisations, initiate first discussions and build a broad commercial pipeline. You work systematically and with discipline to build and maintain a broad commercial pipeline, even where there is no existing relationship or concrete customer request.
You have sufficient technical expertise to be credible without needing to have all the technical answers yourself. You ask incisive questions, understand value chains and application needs, and know when to involve TNO experts. You are able to discuss uncertainty openly and guide partners through an innovation pathway in which the technology, application and business case are developed together. You feel comfortable working in long-term, non-linear B2B processes and see a “not now” as market information and a reason to open other doors.
Other skills and knowledge you bring to TNO:
• A university degree, preferably in chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, process engineering, materials science or a comparable field.
• More than 8 years of experience in a comparable role, with experience in business development, market development, innovation or commercial technology development within biobased chemicals, sustainable chemistry or a directly adjacent sector.
• A demonstrably relevant network in the Netherlands and/or Europe within biobased chemistry, sustainable chemicals or renewable carbon.
• Experience working with parties across multiple parts of the value chain, such as chemical producers, technology developers, formulators, material or application companies, and brand owners.
• Experience independently developing new leads and opportunities, even where there is no existing customer relationship or concrete request.
• Experience with consultative selling and developing innovation projects, R&D collaborations or technology propositions where the outcome has not yet been fully defined.
• Understanding of relevant applications, such as polymers, coatings, resins, adhesives, additives, ingredients or other functional material applications.
• A structured approach to market segmentation, opportunity qualification, CRM and pipeline follow-up.
• A good command of English at a minimum B2/C1 level. Dutch is an advantage, or you are willing to learn it.
• Willingness to regularly visit customers, partners, trade fairs and conferences in the Netherlands and Europe.

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 € 5,700 and € 7,800 (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 2nd of November, 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.