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Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Role Profile We are seeking a highly commercial, customer-facing Business Development Manager to ... Eastman is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their ...

Role Profile We are seeking a highly commercial, customer-facing Business Development Manager to ... Eastman is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their ...

Software Development Manager

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$119.30K - $157.40K/yr

... Development Manager to join our fast growing team in Nashville! The OCI Compute Control Plane team ... That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with ...

Software Development Manager

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$119.30K - $157.40K/yr

... Development Manager to join our fast growing team in Nashville! The OCI Compute Control Plane team ... That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with ...

Software Development Manager

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$119.30K - $157.40K/yr

... Development Manager to join our fast growing team in Nashville! The OCI Compute Control Plane team ... That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with ...

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Showing results 1-20

Workforce Development Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$10K

$73.2K

$142.9K

How much do workforce development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development manager in Tennessee is $73,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $95,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Workforce Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Workforce Development Manager, you need expertise in program management, workforce planning, and labor market analysis, typically supported by a degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Familiarity with workforce analytics platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and industry certifications like SHRM-CP or CPLP is often expected. Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills are essential for designing effective workforce initiatives, aligning talent strategies with organizational goals, and fostering strong partnerships within the community.

How does a Workforce Development Manager typically collaborate with local businesses and training institutions to align workforce initiatives?

A Workforce Development Manager regularly engages with local employers, industry groups, and educational institutions to understand current labor market needs and develop targeted training programs. This collaboration often involves organizing roundtable discussions, conducting needs assessments, and forming partnerships to create internships or apprenticeships. By maintaining open communication channels and building strong relationships, the manager ensures that workforce initiatives are responsive to both employer demands and job seeker skill development, ultimately bridging the gap between training and employment opportunities.

What does a Workforce Development Manager do?

A Workforce Development Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs that help individuals develop the skills needed to succeed in the workforce. They collaborate with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to identify skill gaps and create training initiatives. Their primary goal is to improve employment outcomes and ensure that the workforce meets the evolving needs of local industries. This role often involves managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and staying updated on labor market trends.

What is the difference between Workforce Development Manager vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce Development ManagerCareer Counselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in human resources, social sciences, or related field; often certifications in workforce developmentBachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or related field; certifications in career counseling
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutions, corporate training programsEducational institutions, career centers, private practice, non-profits
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations focusing on workforce training, employment services, and economic developmentCommonly employed by schools, colleges, and private career counseling services

While both roles focus on employment and career development, a Workforce Development Manager oversees programs that improve workforce skills at an organizational or community level, whereas a Career Counselor provides personalized guidance to individuals seeking career advice. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environments but differ in scope and target audience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Workforce Development Manager jobs in Tennessee? For Workforce Development Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Workforce Development Manager jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Workforce Development Manager jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Workforce Development Manager jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Workforce Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Development Manager job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,194 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Business Development Manager

Eastman

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Eastman Chemical rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 89 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
Role Profile
We are seeking a highly commercial, customer-facing Business Development Manager to drive specification wins and commercial adoption of Eastman's circular-economy offerings in downstream applications. Success in this role depends less on lab-centric technical depth and more on front-end commercial capability: proactive prospecting, rapid customer influence across functions, and repeated on-site engagement. This is a high-intensity, field-first role and requires a self-directed, competitive seller who thrives on frequent travel and fast ramp-up with limited formal training.
This full-time, remote position is home-office based, we are looking for candidates who are on the west coast - preferably California. Expect significant travel (typically 50-70%). Reporting to the North America Sales Manager, this role offers an exciting opportunity to develop new business for our circular offerings in downstream applications.
Responsibilities
  • Generate and qualify target opportunities aligned with business strategy; build and execute account penetration plans.
  • Own front-end customer engagement: discover unmet needs, map buying processes, and influence specification decisions across procurement, R&D, operations, and senior leadership.
  • Drive specification wins from initial contact to hand-off: lead customer evaluation processes, steward pilots/trials, present compelling commercial and technical value, and secure adoption/specification.
  • Maintain a high cadence of in-person customer engagement
  • Use public and commercial intelligence to refine market approach and prioritize accounts.
  • Collaborate with Account Managers and internal technical resources to ensure smooth transition and scalable delivery once opportunities move to sales.
  • Maintain CRM and opportunity management discipline to prioritize limited capacity and accelerate funnel movement.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree; Master's or PhD preferred but not required if commercial track record is strong.
  • 5-10+ years of B2B/industrial/business development or strategic account sales with a demonstrated record of winning specifications or converting trials into production business.
  • Proven front-end commercial skills: prospecting, stakeholder mapping, influencing non-procurement stakeholders, negotiating specification outcomes.
  • Exceptional verbal communication and presentation skills; comfortable presenting to C-suite, operations, and technical audiences.
  • Proven track record of thriving in high-travel, customer-facing roles (50%+ travel) and managing heavy face-to-face cadence without burnout.
  • Self-starter with high drive, energy, competitive mindset, and ability to prioritize in a lean operating model.
  • Experience with CRM and opportunity management tools.
  • Experience navigating long, matrixed downstream buying processes in packaging, coatings, adhesives, or specialty polymers. (nice-to-have)
  • Prior success in circular-economy or sustainability-driven product commercialization. (nice-to-have)

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

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