Management Assistent Acoustics & Underwater Warfare

About this position

As a Management Assistant (24 - 40 hours per week) 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.

As a knowledge institute with a thousand highly educated employees, TNO plays an important role in the field of innovations for Defence & Security. We actively contribute to a safer world, both nationally and in a European context. You will be working in the Acoustics & Underwater Warfare division. This division has approximately 160 colleagues, divided into five departments: four research departments and an instrument maker. The five departments are led by four research managers.

The Acoustics and Underwater Warfare division brings together all acoustic expertise within TNO and works mainly for the Ministry of Defence, as well as for other clients within the government and the business community. For example, the researchers are working on improving sonar systems for the Royal Netherlands Navy, or devising methods that can be used to make very precise measurements of the qualities of materials using sound. The division is supported by a secretariat, which consists of four management assistants.

What will be your role?

Your job is super varied: you are busy with various tasks every day and you are always responsible for seeing what is needed. How you organize your day is entirely up to you. You will assist the four research managers and the employees of the departments. You manage the agenda of one or more research managers, handle orders, arrange business trips and always keep an overview. For the employees of the departments, you handle correspondence such as letters, memos and quotations. You ensure the smooth processing and sending of reports and arrange everything for new staff. You do all this together with three fellow management assistants, and via a joint email address.

You are always there for the managers and employees of the departments. Also for urgent matters. Does a manager call in sick? Then you cancel his/her appointments for that day and monitor the rescheduling. Do you need to arrange a meeting location with lunch for tomorrow? You ensure that this is organized in no time. And do you see that something can be improved? Then you let this be heard. We appreciate it if you think along. In addition, if you want, you can take on other departmental or TNO-wide tasks. This way your job will never get boring!

What we expect from you

Because of your proactive approach, you are often just one step ahead of the managers and employees. 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 or in a similar position;
• You have at least completed education at MBO level;
• You have a good command of supporting systems and common Microsoft Office applications, such as Outlook, Word and SharePoint;
• 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 (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 16th of October, 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.