Program Manager Self-Organising Logistics

Want to make your mark on our time? Become a Program Manager Self-Organising Logistics at TNO in The Hague!

About this position

You help move the Netherlands forward by making digital innovation tangible in a sector that is constantly evolving. Logistics is on the brink of a major transition: profitable business through increased collaboration, smarter use of data, and reduced emissions. As Program Manager for Self-Organising Logistics (SOL) at TNO, you ensure that innovation doesn’t remain theoretical but truly makes a difference across the supply chain. You bring vision, structure, and connection, enabling the logistics of the future. TNO’s research group Sustainable Transport & Logistics (STL) develops and implements groundbreaking supply chain innovations that make the logistics sector future-proof. We work on solutions for societal challenges such as labor shortages, congestion, and climate impact. Additionally, STL influences national and international legislation regarding the climate impact of the mobility sector through real-world measurement programs. Within the Self-Organising Logistics program, we accelerate digitalization and collaboration in logistics. We explore and demonstrate how logistics networks can self-organize through data exchange, AI, and decentralized decision-making. The principle of “doing more with less” is central—through smarter resource use, asset sharing, and cross-company collaboration. The Netherlands is a key logistics hub, but the sector is under pressure due to growing transport demand, emission reduction targets, and labor shortages. With SOL, we work on concrete solutions that lead to greater efficiency (up to 25% improvement in fleet efficiency and up to 16% fewer empty kilometers), lower emissions, and stronger earning potential for the sector.

What will be your role?

As a program manager, you connect strategic objectives with concrete research and innovation programs. You operate at the intersection of technology, policy, and practice in domains such as (inter)national transport, urban distribution, and defense logistics. You ensure that knowledge, partners, and resources come together to create real impact. You work closely with project managers, business developers, and researchers to develop new initiatives and capitalize on results. You also guide a complex, multidisciplinary program in which government, knowledge institutions, and industry collaborate on the logistics of tomorrow. You translate vision into results and ensure that innovation truly moves forward.

You will also:

• Develop and safeguard the strategic direction of the SOL program, from research agenda to roadmap and execution.
• Connect and coordinate projects and teams within TNO and with external partners, ensuring content coherence and synergy.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, business developers, and researchers on new initiatives, business models, and funding opportunities.
• Ensure that knowledge and technology are applied in practice, through data ecosystems, AI applications, and self-organizing algorithms in logistics chains.
• Bridge the gap between technology, policy, and practice—so that digitalization and data sharing contribute to more sustainable and efficient logistics.
• Identify strategic opportunities and translate research results into applicable, scalable solutions.
• Act as the point of contact for internal and external stakeholders—from policymakers to company executives.
• Contribute to positioning TNO as a thought leader in digitali.

What we expect from you

You are a natural leader with oversight, persuasive power, and a passion for sustainable and digital transitions.

You have:

• A completed academic degree (WO), for example in logistics, (technical) business administration, supply chain management, or system innovation.
• At least 8 years of experience in program or project management in a knowledge-intensive, innovative, or public-private context.
• Affinity with digitalization, data-driven logistics, AI applications, and interoperable data ecosystems.
• Knowledge of and experience with project management principles (e.g., IPMA or PRINCE2).
• Strong communication and organizational skills—you can switch between executive level and operational teams.
• A proactive, results-oriented, and connecting working style: you bring structure, create support, and move people toward shared goals.
• Fluency in Dutch and English, both spoken and written.

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 € 5,700 and € 7,400 (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.
• 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 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Access to TNO’s project managers guild: a network of some three hundred equals. The guild organizes workshops, conferences, intervision sessions and other activities for project managers.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. 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.