Business Developer Future of Work – Productivity, Innovation and AI Adoption

Want to make your mark on our time? Come work at TNO as a Business Developer in Leiden!

About this position

At TNO Health & Work, we are shaping the future of work. How do we ensure that people remain healthy, productive and adaptable in a world that is changing at lightning speed? Within the Future of Work proposition, we develop innovative solutions that increase sustainable labour productivity, stimulate learning and innovation, and enable a skills-based labour market. Our goal is a labour market in which people and organisations remain agile, and where technology contributes to quality of work, productivity growth and broad prosperity. As a Business Developer Productivity, Innovation and AI Adoption, you will play a key role in achieving this ambition.

What will be your role?

As a Business Developer with a focus on productivity, innovation and AI adoption, you act as the linchpin between technological innovation and market application. You identify opportunities in sectors such as construction, engineering and industry, and translate TNO’s knowledge and innovations – ranging from AI tools to productivity tooling – into concrete value propositions and revenue models.
You collaborate with technology suppliers, industry partners, ICT and software companies, and work closely with industry associations such as FME. You develop business cases and drive scaling through commercial trajectories, public-private partnerships and subsidy programmes. In addition, you build ecosystems in which companies, government bodies and knowledge partners collaborate to accelerate innovation adoption and the transition towards a skills-based labour market.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Identifying and refining innovation needs and developing market propositions around innovation, AI adoption and productivity improvement.
• Building strategic partnerships with technology suppliers, ICT companies, industry associations and innovation-driven organisations.
• Developing business cases and scaling initiatives through public-private partnerships, subsidies and commercial routes.
• Creating ecosystems in which companies, government and knowledge partners collaborate and apply innovations.
• Positioning TNO as a thought leader in human-centred technology and Industry 5.0, in collaboration with other TNO units.

What we expect from you

We are looking for an experienced Business Developer who recognises themselves in the following profile:

• A strong network in technology and industry (e.g. FME, ICT suppliers, smart industry hubs), industry associations and/or sector funds.
• Understanding of and affinity with themes such as labour productivity, skills-based labour markets, AI applications and healthy workplaces.
• Demonstrable, extensive experience in business development and ecosystem development.
• Strong commercial and strategic skills, a solid understanding of customer needs, and well-developed storytelling and pitching abilities.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, externally oriented, proactive and results-driven.

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 € 6,000 and € 8,500 (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 on a full-time basis.
• A comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel or a leased 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 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.