Time setter story: Irena van Klaveren on supply chain management

Social significance

Irena brings over 20 years of experience in supply chain and procurement, including roles at a dredger design and construction company and a system integrator for superyachts.

‘It was very technically challenging there, with projects that had never been done before. But over time, I began to question what I was really doing it for.

That’s what brought her to TNO. ‘A place where innovations are not necessarily about money or profit, but about what they can do for society. To me, TNO is at the forefront of making the world a better place through innovation and progress.’

Watching, listening, and asking questions

The High Tech Industry (HTI) unit’s duties include developing hardware, building prototypes, and getting technology ready for large-scale application. ‘That requires a different approach from standard procurement’, says Irena. To gain supply chain expertise in this specific field, Irena says there is only way to do it: observing projects from day one, listening, and asking questions. It is not only about ‘what are we going to buy?’, but above all ‘why is this needed, what makes it special, and why does this supplier fit the bill?’ ‘This helped me understand the work of engineers and project teams, as well as the vulnerabilities in the chain.’

Getting involved early on

‘One key difference from how things were done before at TNO HTI is that now, as Supply Chain Manager, I am often involved as early as the proposal stage, sometimes even before a project contract is finalised. So, now we look at whether we see any risks and are we depending on a particular supplier? Can we make any agreements in advance?’

This way, Irena prevents teams from having to scramble under time pressure or deal with un­expected issues that crop up later. ‘For project managers, this mainly gives them peace of mind. They should be able to focus on the content and not have to worry about conditions.’

Satellites that measure greenhouse gas emissions

One project Irena has been involved in from the outset is TANGO, or Twin Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Observers. ‘From 2028, two satellites in space will measure greenhouse gas emissions with a high degree of accuracy from individual sources such as factories.’

This is crucial to governments when drafting their climate policy. ‘This kind of satellite system is made up of countless specific components: cameras, filters, coatings, housings. Some parts are made in only a few places in the world. The Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration & Testing (MAIT) department within HTI is building that system.'

'It is my job to ensure that the right suppliers are selected, the agreements and preconditions are correct, and the components arrive on time. I prefer to be involved in this as early as possible, so that I can consciously choose suppliers and think together about manufacturability, reliability, and long-term commitment. This ensures that what we build is not only technically sound, but also responsible and future-proof.'

Operational, tactical, and strategic

'In a mission like TANGO, we work in a highly multidisciplinary and iterative way. This requires flexibility, open communication, and a willingness to look beyond one's own field of expertise. That is precisely what makes the work interesting.'

‘What struck me is how modest and meticulous our colleagues always are. TNO doesn’t take a hard-line approach to terms; it is always about a collaboration that the customer and supplier can agree on.’

That is why Irena increasingly strives for framework contracts: long-term agreements that make for smoother projects and closer collaboration. ‘Rather than renegotiating all the time, instead looking ahead and talking to each other each year about innovation and development. And that is the great thing about my role: I can work at the operational as well as tactical and strategic levels. That’s what makes the role complete, allowing me to really add value to what I do. You need to understand what’s happening on the shop floor and what people are up against. It doesn’t work if I’m just handed specifications from time to time asking me: ‘could you order this?’

Passion

If Irena has been able to help people get on with their jobs, she knows it’s been a good day. ‘And every now and then, there’s that special moment: a successful project, a launch, the enthusiasm you hear in the corridor. But I’m not looking for recognition. My colleagues’ enthusiasm and the passion they show for their work are contagious. That’s what makes it so special. I work with people who want to build something that matters, and I get to play a part in that, in my own way.’