Programma manager Operational Excellence

About this position

At TNO, you work in an environment where scientific research and practical application come together. We contribute to solutions for major challenges in safety, sustainability, health and digitalisation. Society is changing rapidly, and TNO aims to be an agile, enterprising and future-ready organisation. Would you like to contribute? As Programme Manager Strategic Improvement Programmes, you are the driving force behind organisation-wide change. You move easily between the strategic level and day-to-day practice, and you have a talent for engaging colleagues in complex improvement programmes. You know better than anyone how to analyse, simplify and future-proof processes, and you do not let go until the change has truly taken root.

What will be your role?

As Programme Manager, you will be part of the Operational Excellence team. You will lead complex, organisation-wide change and improvement programmes that contribute to TNO’s strategic objectives.

Your responsibilities will include:
• Leading large, multidisciplinary programmes focused on process optimisation, strategic organisational development and sustainable performance improvement.
• Developing, structuring and managing improvement initiatives in line with Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Analysing current processes and implementing efficient, future-ready processes aligned with TNO’s strategy.
• Managing stakeholders at every level, from teams and line management to the Executive Board.
• Leading Kaizen initiatives, value stream mapping sessions and organisation-wide optimisation programmes.
• Creating a culture of continuous improvement by coaching, inspiring and supporting colleagues.
You will work closely with colleagues both within and outside your own department. Some assignments come from the Executive Board, while others originate within the business. In every case, you are the person who conducts a thorough analysis, provides structure, creates ownership and ensures that results are achieved.

What we expect from you

You are results-oriented, highly analytical and have a strong ability to execute. You understand how complex organisations operate, know how to mobilise people and are a strong discussion partner at strategic level.

You also have:

• A completed university degree, preferably in business administration, change management or a comparable field.
• At least seven years of demonstrable experience in programme management, including leading strategic improvement programmes in complex organisations.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, which is required.
• A strong background in project management, including experience managing multidisciplinary projects and change initiatives.
• Strong skills in process analysis, process design, stakeholder management and change management.
• Excellent communication skills and proven experience in delivering persuasive presentations and reports.

You are organisationally sensitive, able to switch quickly and capable of using systems thinking to identify patterns and translate them into effective interventions.

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 € 9,200 (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 15th 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.

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.