Department Manager Acoustic Signatures & Noise Control

About this position

What makes this role interesting? You will be involved in technology that truly matters, in sectors such as government, industry and the navy. Within the Defence, Safety & Security unit, the focus in the coming years is on accelerating the move towards the manufacturing industry, in order to make acoustic sensor and measurement technology more broadly applicable. You will lead the Acoustic Signatures and Noise Control department: a team of bright minds working on this advanced technology. You will make sure they are able to do their work well.

Within the Acoustic Signatures and Noise Control department, everything revolves around sound: how it propagates through the environment, how it is perceived and what effects it has on people, equipment and the environment. The department’s expertise is essential for both defence and civil applications.

In the military domain, sound can reveal your presence. That is why the team develops knowledge and technology to determine and influence the acoustic visibility of platforms, systems and operations. At the same time, sound is also used as a means to detect objects, vessels and activities. In this way, the department works on solutions that contribute to the operational effectiveness and safety of Defence.

In addition, the department focuses on the impact of sound on the living environment. Noise nuisance and underwater sound are playing an increasingly important role in permitting, environmental policy and societal acceptance. The team investigates the effects of sound on people and nature and develops methods to comply with laws and regulations.

The applications are diverse: from predicting the audibility of ships and military systems, analysing detectability by sonar systems and developing measures to influence this, to research into the effects of sound from shipping, construction activities, road and rail traffic, industry and Defence activities at firing ranges and air bases. In doing so, the department makes an important contribution to both national security and a sustainable living environment.

What will be your role?

At TNO, this leadership role is about shaping the world of tomorrow by inspiring others with a clear vision of the future and by creating a home for diverse generations and perspectives. You gain energy from guiding, encouraging and facilitating professionals in a way that suits them. You help them discover what they are capable of and challenge them to push boundaries.

Your outlook is outward-facing. You know what is happening around the organisation. With an entrepreneurial mindset, you build relevant networks, follow market trends and explore commercial opportunities. In this way, you and your team make solutions possible for issues and challenges that truly matter. You understand that these challenges are constantly changing and that technology is developing faster than ever, and you continuously adapt your leadership style to new situations.

What we expect from you

It is not necessary to already know everything about acoustics or underwater technology. What matters is your ability to inspire people, provide direction and create an environment in which professionals can excel. You stimulate development, give employees room to use their talents and know how to get a team moving. At the same time, you keep a sharp eye on the bigger picture and translate the division’s course into concrete actions. In doing so, you take initiative and actively strengthen collaboration within TNO and with external partners.

As Department Manager Acoustic Signatures and Noise Control, you will lead a team of highly educated professionals working on innovative solutions in the fields of acoustics, signatures, detection and sound effects.

Together with the Division Director, the Science & Technology Manager, the Market Manager and the other department managers, you will translate the division’s strategy into a clear course for your department. You will ensure that the department’s knowledge, expertise and capacity are well aligned with the needs of clients, partners and the market, and you will actively contribute to the further development of the division’s knowledge and technology portfolio.

You will be responsible for achieving the department’s objectives and for ensuring a healthy balance between knowledge development, project execution and business operations. In doing so, you will safeguard the quality and progress of projects, steer the effective deployment of people and resources and ensure a sound financial basis. You will keep the long term in view and translate strategic ambitions into concrete choices and priorities for the department.

As a manager, you will play an important role in employee development. You will encourage ownership, collaboration and professional growth, and create an environment in which people feel heard, valued and challenged. You will be visible and approachable, engage in conversations about development, ambitions and performance, and connect employees to a shared direction.

In addition, you will represent the department both within and outside TNO and actively build sustainable relationships with clients, knowledge institutions and other collaboration partners. As a member of the division’s management team, you will contribute to achieving the division’s objectives and work with your colleagues on the further development of the division and its position in the national and international arena.

We are looking for a department manager who provides direction while also creating space. Someone who connects people, strengthens social cohesion and leads a team of experts with calm, trust and clarity. You have an eye for the person behind the professional, facilitate where needed and, at the same time, dare to make decisions when situations call for it. You are a visible and approachable leader who, together with the team, continues to build the development of the department, its employees and the impact of the work.

What else you bring:

• Academic working and thinking level, preferably in a technical field.
• At least 3 years of managerial experience in a complex, project-based organisation.
• Experience in collaborating with industrial partners and the ability to build a network with them.
• A good command of Dutch and English, both written and spoken. The working language in the department is Dutch.
• Strong communication skills, enabling you to represent your department effectively in discussions with stakeholders at different levels, such as market directors.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. At TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. 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).
• 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.
• 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.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts, have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. TNO’s strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, TNO strengthens its innovative capability and creates responsible, meaningful results.