Program Intern, Leadership Development

Pilot-Company-3; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-person internship

Job summary

Pilot Company in Knoxville is seeking a Leadership Development Intern for Summer 2027 to support the implementation and coordination of leadership development experiences across the enterprise.

You will assist with leadership assessments, coaching, and training programs, while collaborating with HR, Talent Management, and senior leaders to strengthen leadership capabilities across the organization.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Leadership Studies, IO Psychology, or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar Office tools is essential.
• Strong written and verbal communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and administration of leadership development programs (virtual & in-person).
• Contribute to leadership assessments, executive coaching, and program operations.
• Assist with instructional design, stakeholder communications, and engagement strategies.

Skills

Strong communication

Maturity & executive presence

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate degree in HR or Business

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

• Position Category: Administrative Support (ADMINISTRATION)

Company Description

Pilot Company is an industry-leading network of travel centers with more than 30,000 team members and over 750 retail and fueling locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces. Our energy and logistics division serves as a top supplier of fuel, employing one of the largest tanker fleets and providing critical services to oil operations in our nation's busiest basins. Pilot Company supports a growing portfolio of brands with expertise in supply chain and retail operations, logistics and transportation, technology and digital innovation, construction, maintenance, human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Founded in 1958 by Jim A. Haslam II and currently led by CEO Adam Wright, our founding values, people-first culture and commitment to giving back remains true to us today. Whether we are serving guests, a fellow team member, or a trucking company, we are dedicated to fueling people and keeping North America moving.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Military encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Are you an ambitious student interested in leadership development, talent management, and organizational effectiveness? Pilot Company is seeking a Leadership Development Intern to join our team in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the summer of 2027. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting enterprise leadership initiatives while working alongside experienced talent and leadership professionals who are dedicated to developing people and strengthening leadership capabilities across the organization.

In this role, you will be an integral part of our Leadership Development team. Your key responsibility will be to support the implementation and coordination of leadership development experiences, including leadership assessments, executive coaching and leadership training programs. This internship offers the opportunity to learn the practical application of leadership development strategies while contributing to initiatives that impact leaders across the enterprise.

What You’ll Do

Assist with leadership program implementation: You'll support the planning and administration of leadership development programs, including both virtual and in‑person learning experiences.

Support leadership initiatives: You'll contribute to key projects such as leadership assessments, executive coaching and the operations of the in‑person and virtual leadership training programs.

Help develop learning experiences: You'll assist with instructional design, participant communications, content organization and engagement strategies for leadership development programs.

Collaborate across the business: You'll work closely with leaders, executive assistants, HR Business Partners, Talent Management, Culture and other stakeholders to ensure successful program delivery and execution.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

Education: Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Leadership Studies, Industrial‑Organizational Psychology or a related field.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, is essential.

Soft Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, relationship‑building abilities, critical thinking, collaboration and strong organizational skills. We're looking for someone who demonstrates maturity, executive presence, emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively with leaders at all levels of the organization.

Qualities: A passion for leadership development, a desire to learn and an eagerness to contribute to a collaborative environment. We value individuals who are driven, reliable, authentic and welcoming.

Additional Information

Why Pilot Company?

Our culture is built on four core virtues: Driven, Reliable, Authentic and Welcoming. As an intern, you will see these values in action every day. You'll gain exposure to enterprise‑wide leadership initiatives, strategic planning, instructional design, executive coaching programs and leadership assessment processes.

This is a full‑time, in‑person internship running from June 7 – August 13, 2027. You’ll be working alongside our team in our Knoxville headquarters, where you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and experience the full scope of life at Pilot Company.