Key Skills

Job Description

About This Position The Netherlands has a growing community of innovative start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs working on solutions in deep tech, high-tech systems, AI, robotics, energy, digitalisation and sustainability. These companies often have ambitious goals but face technological, organisational or financing challenges. Within TNO Fast Track, we help these companies gain faster access to TNO’s knowledge, experts, facilities and research infrastructure. As a Senior Project Manager, you will play a key role in this. You will be responsible for successfully managing larger projects and programmes, bringing structure and clarity to our growing portfolio, and contributing to the further professionalisation of the way we work. You are an experienced and confident project manager who moves seamlessly between entrepreneurs, researchers and public-sector partners. You maintain a clear overview, bring structure to a growing portfolio, and help create new opportunities and partnerships. Find out more about SMEs and Fast Track here. What will be your role? As a senior member of the team, you ensure that our projects are delivered professionally, expectations are managed effectively, and opportunities are transformed into impactful initiatives. You independently lead larger and more complex projects while also playing a key role in ensuring structure and continuity within the team. You maintain an overview of the project portfolio, ensure processes run smoothly, and support colleagues in further professionalising our services. You also enjoy contributing ideas for new initiatives and propositions. Where needed, you support customer meetings, proposals and partnerships, helping to drive the continued growth of Fast Track. How do you do this? You lead and coordinate larger innovation and research projects for start-ups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs. You monitor planning, budgets, risks, progress, deliverables and the quality of ongoing projects. You maintain an overview of the Fast Track project portfolio, ensuring alignment, progress and clear priorities. You work closely with the colleague responsible for project support and administration, providing guidance on project delivery where needed. You support the team in areas such as project structure, governance, operational processes and capacity planning. You act as an important link between customers, researchers, business developers and support departments within TNO. You translate complex customer needs into concrete assignments, projects and forms of collaboration. You develop and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, investors, innovation ecosystems, regional development agencies and public-sector partners. Where needed, you support customer meetings, quotations, project proposals, grant applications and partnership proposals. You contribute to the further development of services such as Technology Due Diligence, TNO Fast Track, digitalisation initiatives, innovation vouchers and other innovation programmes. You contribute to the continued professionalisation and growth of the Fast Track team. About The Team TNO Fast Track helps innovative start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs gain faster access to TNO’s knowledge, researchers and facilities. We operate at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. Our team is small, entrepreneurial and ambitious. Every day, we work on developing new propositions, ecosystems and partnerships to accelerate technological innovation in the Netherlands. We do this together with entrepreneurs, investors, public-sector organisations and hundreds of TNO experts. You will join an environment that gives you plenty of room to take initiative, ownership and an entrepreneurial approach. We enjoy building new things, experimenting and creating tangible impact. And we like to celebrate our successes together. What we expect from you You are an experienced project manager who knows how to create structure without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy. You move easily between entrepreneurs, researchers, senior executives and public-sector stakeholders. You are energised by building new initiatives and know how to bring people and organisations together to create momentum. Alongside managing your own projects, you enjoy keeping an eye on the bigger picture. You help colleagues move forward, identify opportunities to make processes smarter and more effective, and actively contribute to the further development of the team. You have a broad technical foundation and are able to quickly get to grips with a wide range of technologies and innovation challenges. This enables you to quickly identify the core of an issue during initial discussions and ask entrepreneurs and researchers the right follow-up questions. You do not necessarily need to be a specialist in one particular domain. What matters is your ability to move comfortably between different technology areas and bring the right experts to the table. What else do you bring? A higher professional (HBO) or academic (WO) level of working and thinking. At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in innovation, technology, consultancy, project management or programme management. Experience in leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Demonstrable experience working with start-ups, scale-ups and/or innovative SMEs. An affinity with commercial activities, relationship management or developing new initiatives. An affinity with deep tech, high-tech systems, digitalisation, AI, energy, sustainability or related technology domains. Strong organisational skills and experience in budget and programme management. Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English. Experience with public-private partnerships, innovation programmes or research environments is a strong advantage. Experience with grant-funded projects, European programmes or innovation ecosystems is a plus. What makes this role special? You work with some of the most innovative companies in the Netherlands. You help entrepreneurs bring their technologies to market faster. You play a central role in further professionalising a growing project portfolio. You are the connecting link between customers, researchers and the Fast Track team. You contribute to developing new propositions and innovations that do not yet exist. You collaborate with leading scientists, researchers, investors and entrepreneurs. You combine project management, stakeholder management and innovation in one role. You have plenty of opportunity to help shape the continued growth of TNO Fast Track. You work in an entrepreneurial team where ownership, initiative and impact are key. 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 € 5,650 and € 7,200 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th 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. Benefits 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 19th of November, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place in weeks 50 and 51. The second interview round has been scheduled for weeks 52 and 53. 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.

Core Responsibilities

Lead complex innovation and research projects for start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs, overseeing budgets, schedules, risks, deliverables, and quality. Manage the Fast Track project portfolio, connect customers with TNO experts and partners, and help develop services, partnerships, and team processes.

Requirements

Requires at least eight years of relevant experience, a higher professional or academic level of working and thinking, and demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects and working with innovative SMEs. Candidates should bring strong organisational, budget, communication, and relationship-building skills, broad technical affinity, and fluency in Dutch and English.

Benefits

• Holiday Pay
• 13th-Month Bonus
• Flexible Benefits Budget
• 33 Days of Annual Leave
• Professional Development
• Courses and Workshops
• Training and Coaching
• Public Transportation Compensation
• Flexible Working Hours
• Part-Time Work Options
• Work-from-Home Option
• Relocation Package
• Pension Scheme