Supply Chain Manager Defence, Safety & Security

About this position

The world is changing fast, and this is felt in many areas. With the increased focus on defence and security, there are ambitious objectives within TNO's Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) business unit and at clients such as the Ministry of Defence. As an independent research institute, TNO plays a crucial role in contributing to the safety of our society through research and technological innovation. This depends heavily on reliable suppliers and partners. Expanding the upstream supply chain in order to increase value for TNO and its clients is an important strategic ambition for TNO and for the Procurement team.

Within DSS, you will be the director and driving force who develops, manages and optimises the right supplier chains. In doing so, you contribute directly to technical innovation, high delivery reliability, and greater value for TNO and its clients, including the Ministry of Defence. Together with the Supply Chain team, you also play an active role in building and professionalising supply chain management within TNO, a field that is very much under development.

Can you picture it? Become a Supply Chain Manager at TNO in The Hague.

What will be your role?

In this role you organise and manage the supplier chains within DSS projects, programmes and activities. You play a crucial role in developing and maintaining these chains from the very first client proposals onwards. You make sure that commercial, contractual, operational and technical requirements are carefully brought together.

Together with Procurement Advisors you draw up assignments and contracts with suppliers, and you work with project managers to ensure that the supplier chain functions optimally within the agreed frameworks of time, budget and quality. Because TNO sets high standards for its suppliers and often asks for technically complex solutions, being aligned with suppliers is essential. Alongside maintaining relationships and contracts, you are responsible for risk management and for resolving conflict situations.

The role of Supply Chain Manager, and the application of supply chain management, are relatively new within TNO. This gives you a unique opportunity to contribute to policy, processes and ways of working, and to embed these within the business units.

What we expect from you

Given the responsibilities and opportunities this role offers, we encourage professionals with experience in business development and client and contract management to apply. Your talent for building relationships and managing contracts is an excellent match for the challenges of this role. You feel at home in a high-tech environment and speak the language of technical professionals. You also have an affinity with defence and security and are experienced in contract management.

You have commercial and technical insight and are able to weigh up different interests. Suppliers and colleagues value your proactive attitude and your expertise. You spot and promote opportunities within the supplier chain and enjoy working with a range of stakeholders, switching quickly between different projects.

You have:

• A completed academic (university-level) degree.
• Demonstrable multi-year experience in and affinity with procurement and/or supplier management and/or contract management.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in a technical, high-tech or R&D environment.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex (international) supplier or client relationships and technically challenging delivery or client contracts.
• A relevant professional network.
• Strong competencies in collaboration, results orientation, self-direction and initiative, market focus, entrepreneurship, negotiating and contracting.
• A proven ability to switch between strategic, tactical and operational level.
• Excellent command of Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

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 € 5.951 and € 7,945 (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 27th of September, 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.

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.