Business Developer Intelligence, divisie Autonomous Systems & Decision Support

TNO; Den Haag; Hybrid; EUR 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Home working possible

Pension scheme

Mobility plan (public transport + car)

Job summary

TNO in The Hague and Soesterberg seeks a Business Developer Autonomous Systems & Decision Support to connect the national security and defence domains and drive innovative collaboration. You identify opportunities, orchestrate joint agendas and guide ideas from concept to project, building a broad network across research, policy and industry.

You will work with researchers, clients and partners to position TNO as a trusted innovation partner, delivering impactful solutions for security

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in consultancy, business development or innovation.
• Demonstrable experience in or with the defence and security domain.
• Strong affinity with innovation and technology.
• Excellent communication skills in Dutch and English, at least C1 level.

Responsibilities

• Develop new research and innovation programmes within national security and defence.
• Strengthen collaboration between national security and Defence, especially in intelligence.
• Identify opportunities, bring parties together and develop initiatives sharing knowledge and technology.
• Build and maintain a strong network with researchers, clients, policymakers, industry partners and other organisations.

Skills

Relationship building

Networking

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication (Dutch & English)

Education

University degree (HBO/WO)

Job description

About this position

The security of the Netherlands is under increasing pressure due to geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, cyberattacks, organised crime that undermines society, and societal disruption. These developments call for closer collaboration between organisations in the national security domain and the Ministry of Defence. Innovation, data and artificial intelligence are playing an increasingly important role in addressing these challenges.As an independent research and technology organisation, TNO plays an important role in connecting the various parties within this ecosystem. Drawing on our expertise in autonomous systems, data-driven decision-making and AI, we develop solutions that contribute to a secure, resilient and future-ready Netherlands. We work closely with organisations including the Police, the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), safety regions, the Ministry of Defence, research institutions and industry partners.As a Business Developer Autonomous Systems & Decision Support (AS&DS) in The Hague and Soesterberg, you will actively contribute to this mission. You will operate at the intersection of national security and defence, with a particular focus on the intelligence domain. You identify opportunities for collaboration and help innovative technologies find their way into operational practice more quickly.You understand the challenges facing both the national security sector and the armed forces and know how to connect these two worlds. In doing so, you contribute to innovative solutions for the professionals who work every day to keep the Netherlands safe, from police officers, analysts and emergency responders to military personnel and policymakers.

What will be your role?

Independently as well as together with your TNO colleagues, you will develop new research and innovation programmes within the national security and defence domain. An important part of your role is strengthening collaboration between the national security domain and Defence, particularly in the field of intelligence. Many societal and security challenges now transcend the traditional boundaries between civilian and military organisations. You identify where common challenges lie, bring the right parties together and develop initiatives in which knowledge, technology and experience are shared.You take initiative, identify new opportunities and guide ideas from concept to project. To achieve this, you work closely with researchers, clients, policymakers, industry partners and other research organisations, both nationally and internationally. You build sustainable relationships and develop a strong network within the security and defence ecosystem.You also keep track of relevant developments in AI, autonomous systems, data-driven approaches and decision support. By attending conferences, symposia and networking events, you stay up to date with current challenges and position TNO as a valuable and trusted innovation partner within the security domain.

What makes this role unique

You are not simply a business developer focusing on a single domain. Instead, you act as a key connector between national security and Defence. You develop new partnerships, orchestrate joint innovation agendas and ensure that knowledge and technology find their way to the organisations that contribute to the security of the Netherlands every day. In doing so, you have a direct impact on the future of both the national security sector and the armed forces.

The team of Business Developers at TNO Defence, Safety & Security brings together people with diverse backgrounds and experience, all of whom share a strong passion for defence and security. The team is characterised by professionalism, enthusiasm for our field and a good sense of humour. With demand for innovative solutions to defence and security challenges growing rapidly, we are looking for several talented professionals to strengthen our market team.

What we expect from you

You combine a relevant professional background with an entrepreneurial, sociable and enthusiastic attitude, and you are able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Building and maintaining relationships comes naturally to you and is something you genuinely enjoy. You are a connector who thrives on being at the centre of a broad network of people and activities. You can easily adapt your communication style to different audiences and move comfortably between national and international political contexts. You enjoy working flexibly across a variety of topics within this domain. You work accurately and bring structure to business development and acquisition processes. You have an analytical mindset, take responsibility, are naturally curious and enjoy getting to the heart of complex challenges.

What else do you bring?

• A university or university of applied sciences level of working and thinking.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, for example in consultancy, business development or innovation.
• Demonstrable experience in or with the defence and security domain or a related industry.
• A strong affinity with innovation and technology.
• Excellent communication skills in both Dutch and English, spoken and written, at a minimum C1 level.

Are you excited about what you have read so far, and are you ready to make your mark on the challenges of our time? In your motivation letter, we would like you to clearly demonstrate your affinity with the defence and security domain and your enthusiasm for this position.

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 € 4,800 and € 6,800 (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.

• 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 or a lease car.
• 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.

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 20th of October, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 30th of October, 2026. 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.