Senior Project Manager ICT

Want to make your mark on our time? Become a Senior Project Manager ICT at TNO in Groningen!

About this position

A strong digital future for the Netherlands and Europe is impossible without research and innovation. Luckily, TNO is brimming with exciting project plans—ready to be turned into reality by you! As a Project Manager ICT at TNO, you operate at the crossroads of applied research and practical ICT solutions, in domains such as smart industry, the energy transition or defence. Join our enthusiastic group of ICT specialists and take the lead in project teams. Together with companies, universities, research centres and government partners, you’ll help shape innovations that benefit Dutch society.

What will be your role?

You will manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ranging from B2B consultancy assignments to multi-year, grant-funded TKI projects (Top Consortia for Knowledge and Innovation). Especially in consortium projects, stakeholder management is key due to the diverse—and sometimes conflicting—interests at play. You safeguard the shared objectives and the overall progress of the project.

Together with your multidisciplinary team, you will develop innovative proof-of-concepts and demonstrators. Your teams work on topics such as Digital Twins, adaptive algorithms, (agentic) AI, and more.

You will be part of the Intelligent Cyber-physical Systems Engineering (ICSE) research group. From our locations in Groningen and The Hague, more than 35 scientists, researchers, consultants and project managers demonstrate the added value of digital technologies every day. You will also work closely with colleagues across other departments and units.

ICSE offers a vibrant mix of highly educated professionals of different ages, nationalities, genders and experience levels. What unites us is our passion for applied research and our love for an open, informal working atmosphere. And at TNO you’re never on your own: we support each other, collaborate closely and welcome your ideas.

What we expect from you

You thrive on managing multidisciplinary research projects. The inherent uncertainties of innovative projects—with outcomes yet unknown—don’t throw you off balance. Inspiring people, coming up with creative solutions and working together are second nature to you.

With your strong communication skills, you’re able to convince your team, clients, partners and other stakeholders. You navigate sensitivities and differing interests with ease. And of course, you do this within budget, timeline and quality standards. If something doesn’t go according to plan, you raise the flag early.

You also bring the following knowledge and skills to TNO:

• A Master’s degree or PhD in computer science or a related field.
• At least eight years of project management experience, preferably in a complex environment with diverse external stakeholders.
• Excellent command of both Dutch and English, as you'll work with international teams and Dutch clients.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in ICT, the energy transition, or defence—and their related digitalisation challenges—is a plus.
• Preferably experience with IPMA or other project management methodologies.

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 € 7,900 (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.
• 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.

‘TNO is like a giant candy shop.’ Yvonne Pribnow senior recruiter for the ICT and Strategic Analysis & Policy units