Contract Development Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

You know the utility line construction industry. You understand the work, the customers, and what it takes to deliver in the field. Now, imagine using that experience to help shape where the business grows next.

NGG Construction is looking for a Business Development Manager to identify new opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and expand our distribution and transmission line construction business.

Your background doesn't have to come exclusively from sales. You may have built your career in operations, estimating, project management, account management, sales, or business development. What matters is that you understand utility line construction, know how to build credibility with customers, and can turn relationships and industry knowledge into business opportunities.

Utility line construction experience is required for this position.

NG Gilbert Construction is part of the Townsend Companies portfolio, a family of regional utility vegetation management and construction businesses serving investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, and municipal customers across the country.

NGG Construction specializes in the construction, maintenance, and repair of electrical distribution and transmission infrastructure. We combine decades of industry experience with the resources and reach of the broader Townsend organization to deliver safe, reliable, high-quality service to our utility partners.

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Opportunity to work within the broader Townsend Companies organization
• Direct visibility and impact on NGG Construction's growth
• Opportunity to expand your experience and relationships across multiple utility markets
• A safety-focused organization with a long-standing presence in the utility industry

As Business Development Manager, you'll help shape NGG Construction's growth strategy by identifying opportunities, developing relationships, and connecting customer needs with our operational capabilities.

You'll:

• Identify and pursue new distribution and transmission line construction opportunities with investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and EPC firms.
• Develop new customer relationships while strengthening existing accounts to drive repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Develop and execute territory and account strategies aligned with NGG Construction's growth objectives.
• Work closely with operations and estimating teams to evaluate opportunities and develop competitive proposals and bids.
• Represent NGG Construction at customer meetings, industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
• Maintain an accurate business development pipeline using Salesforce or a comparable CRM.
• Provide leadership with market intelligence, competitive insights, customer feedback, and emerging opportunities.
• Participate in contract negotiations and support a smooth transition from business development to project execution.
• Monitor utility capital spending, infrastructure investment, regulatory developments, and industry trends that may create new business opportunities.
• Serve as a trusted connection between customers and NGG Construction's operational teams.

We're looking for someone who knows utility line construction and knows how to build relationships.

You may already be a Business Development Manager, or you may be an experienced utility construction professional ready to take your operational and customer knowledge into a growth-focused role.

Successful candidates will bring:

• 5+ years of experience within electrical utility line construction, including distribution and/or transmission.
• Experience in business development, sales, estimating, project management, operations, account management, or a related utility construction capacity.
• Strong understanding of utility line construction operations, terminology, safety expectations, and customer needs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain professional relationships.
• Ability to identify opportunities and contribute to customer or business growth.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate with operations, estimating, and company leadership.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 75%.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

• Existing relationships with utility decision-makers, EPC firms, or other industry contacts.
• Experience developing bids and proposals for utility construction contracts.
• Experience across both distribution and transmission construction.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Knowledge of vegetation management or complementary utility services.

This is primarily an office- and customer-facing position requiring approximately 75% travel. Travel may include customer meetings, industry events, conferences, operational meetings, and visits to project locations throughout the assigned territory.

The position may also provide business development support related to emergency utility restoration activities when needed.

We're not simply looking for someone who can sell. We're looking for someone who understands the work, can earn the trust of utility customers, and can help turn the right opportunities into lasting partnerships.

If you've built your career in utility line construction and are ready to use that experience to help grow an established construction business, we'd like to hear from you.

This job description is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. The Townsend Company and its family of companies reserve the right to modify job responsibilities, duties, or schedules as needed to meet business or operational requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

This position is subject to applicable pre-employment screening requirements, which may include drug testing and a background check.

NG Gilbert Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.