Senior Business Developer Sustainable Fuels and Chemicals

About this position

As a business developer, you will work on developing and marketing new value propositions. With TNO's wide range of technical disciplines, system knowledge, and experience, you’ll support companies, industrial clusters, and institutions in the transition from fossil to sustainable material and energy management.

What will be your role?

Are you excited about turning breakthrough technologies into real business opportunities? As a Business Developer in TNO’s Feedstock Conversion team, you will drive the market introduction, valorisation and scale-up of innovative technologies for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), novel biobased chemicals, and carbon utilization.

You spot opportunities, build strategic partnerships, win R&D projects, negotiate contracts and licensing deals, and connect leading industrial players across the value chain. Working side-by-side with top scientists and engineers, you help shape market strategies and transform promising technologies into commercial success.

From international innovation projects and industry-funded programs to licensing agreements and large-scale implementation, you are at the forefront of the energy and materials transition. This is a role for someone who enjoys opening doors, building networks, closing deals, and creating impact. At TNO, you do not sell products—you create markets for the sustainable technologies of tomorrow.

What we expect from you

You are passionate about turning innovative technologies into real business opportunities and industrial impact. Thanks to your industry experience, you quickly recognize the value of new technologies and understand what it takes to bring them successfully to market.

You thrive in a dynamic environment where commercial insight (including market and business intelligence), relationship building, and strategic thinking come together. You enjoy working in multi disciplinairy teams with scientist, engineers and project managers. You proactively open doors, build partnerships, negotiate deals, and bring diverse stakeholders together around a shared ambition.
As a trusted partner for industry and colleagues alike, you help shape new value propositions, create long-term collaborations, and secure new business opportunities. In doing so, you connect market needs, organizations, and technologies to accelerate innovation and deliver sustainable solutions. In short: you are a natural connector, opportunity creator, and dealmaker who enjoys transforming promising ideas into impactful business.

Other skills and knowledge you bring to TNO:

• A university science degree preferably in a science discipline (e.g., chemistry, chemical engineering, process technology, materials science, applied physics);
• > 8 years’ experience in a similar position, preferably in process, chemical or steel industry;
• Experience working in a research and technology-oriented environment;
• International experience and willingness to travel are a big plus;
• Knowledge of and a network in Chemical and Steel industry;
• At least C1 proficiency in English and preferably also in Dutch, or you are willing to learn.

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 € 6,400 and € 8,400 (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 or a lease car.
• 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 7th of September, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 16th of September, 2026. 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.