Management Assistant

About this position

As a Management Assistant you are indispensable, because because of you your colleagues can do their work even better. Thanks to your positive, driven and flexible commitment, the department runs like a well-oiled machine, because you are always there for colleagues and ensure that things are properly arranged. You have a lot of control over your work and know where you stand. The role offers variety, without becoming chaotic. Within the TNO Defence Safety & Security unit, we are looking for support for the Human Behaviour & Collaboration (HBC) department in Soesterberg. Our HBC department helps the Ministry of Defence, police and other security partners to better understand and use human behaviour and cooperation, so that they remain effective when it matters.

What will be your role?

No day is the same. As a Management Assistant, you will support the manager and colleagues in the department in a variety of organisational, secretarial and administrative activities. You manage the manager's agenda, plan and organize meetings, join in where necessary and support correspondence such as letters, memos and quotations. You keep an overview, set priorities and ensure that matters are arranged carefully and on time. Does a schedule go differently than expected or does a request come in between? Then you switch quickly and reintroduce structure. You also support the onboarding of new colleagues, so that they can get off to a good start and the most important practical matters are arranged on time. Do you see that something can be smarter or better? Then you let this be heard. We appreciate it if you think along. Do you see room to broaden your role over time? Then there are opportunities for this within TNO, for example by also taking on other (cross-departmental) tasks. This way your role will never get boring.

What we expect from you

You are often just one step ahead of the manager and your other colleagues. Because you are good at planning and prioritizing, you see what needs to be done and you can quickly switch between different tasks. And is something not feasible? Then you communicate that clearly and honestly. In doing so, you show genuine interest in your colleagues, who – partly due to your optimistic attitude – are happy to come to you to ask something.

What else you bring:

• You have at least 3 years of experience as a management assistant, secretary, Personal Assistant or in a similar position;
• You have at least a completed education at MBO level;
• You have a good command of Microsoft Office package (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with SharePoint, SAP or similar systems is an advantage;
• You have good communication skills (written and oral) in Dutch and 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 € 2,900 and 4,000 (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 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 23th of Sepetember, 2026 The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 5th of oktober, 2026. The second interview round has been scheduled in the the week of 17th of October, 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. 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.