Business Development Manager - Knoxville, TN

Pillar Innovations is an Industrial Solutions and Service Company with over 15 years of experience in the Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Industrial Construction, Aggregate, and Renewables Industries. The Corporate Headquarters are located in Grantsville, MD with several offices throughout the country.

With offices across the country, we’re growing our presence in Knoxville, TN. Our work spans Automation, Electrical, Fiber, and Wireless Communications, and we’re looking for talented individuals to join our team.

We’re seeking a Business Development Manager to lead our team and drive growth across a dynamic service area within a three-hour radius of Knoxville, TN.

In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of business development, customer acquisition, and contract execution, while leading a high-performing team to deliver excellence in every project. You’ll build strong, lasting customer relationships, oversee day-to-day operations, and ensure your division continues to grow in profitability, performance, and safety.

This is more than just management—it’s leadership with impact. You’ll have the autonomy to make big decisions, backed by the full support of our executive management and corporate service teams, including Accounting, HR, Fleet Management, Legal, Safety & Compliance, and IT.

If you’re ready to join a dynamic, forward-thinking team, we want to hear from you.

The responsibilities of the Business Developemtn Manager include building and maintaining strong customer relationships, overseeing division operations, and ensuring growth, profitability, and safety. This position requires proven experience in industrial contracting, large-scale bidding, contract negotiation, and personnel management.

Compensation includes a competitive base salary and a performance-based bonus. The position reports directly to the Executive Vice President of Operations and is based primarily at the assigned location.

- Lead the Division’s growth strategy by identifying, pursuing, and securing new industrial contracting opportunities

- Develop and manage customer relationships within a three-hour radius of Knoxville

- Manage and oversee all aspects of bidding, estimating, proposals, and negotiations

- Provide leadership in personnel management, including hiring, training, evaluation and termination

- Build and mentor a high-performance team with accountability and professional development

- Collaborate with corporate services and other Pillar divisions to maintain operational alignment

- Monitor division financials including forecasting, reporting, and P&L management

- Promote a culture of safety, ethics and client-focused service

- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; equivalent experience considered

- 7-10+ years of experience in industrial contracting, business development, or large contract management

- Proven track record in contract negotiation and bidding

- Ability to demonstrate leadership skills with personnel management

- Strong negotiation, communication, and client relationship skills

- Ability to travel within a three-hour radius of Knoxville, TN

- Valid driver’s license required

Perks/Benefits

- Competitive base salary and performance based bonus tied to division success

- Comprehensive Benefits

- Health/Life insurance

- 401(k) retirement plan

- Short/Long term disability

- Paid time off and holidays

- Paid lodging, per diem, and transportation provided for out-of-town work

- Employee focused work environment

- On-the-job mentoring and training

- Internal job postings

- Performance and salary reviews

- Employee feedback program

- Advancement through defined employee career paths

- Safety-first and drug free work environments

- Bonuses and incentives for working safely

- Company provided tools and basic safety equipment

- PPE allowances with no restrictions on vendors

- Weekly pay with premium pay for Sundays and holidays

- Financial tools/programs to help employees reach financial goals, manage money, get out of debt, and save for the future

- Scholarship opportunities for dependent children