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The Dealer Development Manager will represent Upgrade Inc (Auto Finance Division) and promote our indirect lending programs. They will develop, maintain, and grow business partnerships between ...

Develon

Dealer Development Manager

Suwanee, GA · On-site

Description DEVELON is looking for an experienced Dealer Development Manager to join our dynamic and growing team! Who We Are DEVELON, headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia, markets the DEVELON brand of ...

Upgrade

Dealer Development Manager

The Dealer Development Manager will represent Upgrade Inc (Auto Finance Division) and promote our indirect lending programs. They will develop, maintain, and grow business partnerships between ...

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Dealer Development Manager information

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$50.5K

$95.4K

$148.5K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in the United States is $95,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dealer development manager do?

A dealer development manager is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with automotive or equipment dealers to increase sales and market share. They develop strategies for dealer recruitment, training, and support, often analyzing sales data and providing product knowledge to ensure dealer success. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Dealer Development Manager vs Sales Manager?

AspectDealer Development ManagerSales Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping dealer networks, building dealer relationships, expanding dealer sales channelsManaging overall sales team, setting sales targets, and driving direct sales
Work EnvironmentField-based, dealer locations, industry-specific settingsOffice and field, overseeing sales teams and client interactions
Required CredentialsIndustry-specific certifications, sales experience, dealer management skillsSales experience, leadership skills, often a bachelor's degree in business or related field

The Dealer Development Manager primarily focuses on building and maintaining dealer relationships to grow sales channels, while the Sales Manager oversees the company's sales team and direct sales efforts. Both roles require strong sales skills and industry knowledge, but their scope and daily activities differ significantly.

What is the highest paid position at a car dealership?

The highest paid position at a car dealership is typically the General Manager or Dealer Principal, who oversees all dealership operations and has significant profit and decision-making authority. These roles often earn high salaries plus bonuses based on dealership performance, with compensation varying by dealership size and location.

What are some common challenges faced by a Dealer Development Manager when expanding a dealership network?

A Dealer Development Manager often encounters challenges such as identifying and vetting suitable dealer candidates, ensuring alignment with the company's brand standards, and managing expectations during onboarding. Additionally, they must navigate regional market differences, build strong relationships with potential dealers, and provide ongoing support to help new partners succeed. Effective communication and negotiation skills are crucial, as is the ability to adapt strategies based on market feedback and performance metrics.

What is the highest salary of BDM?

The highest salary for a Dealer Development Manager (BDM) can vary based on experience, location, and industry, but it typically ranges from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually, with top performers earning even more through bonuses and commissions. Senior BDMs with extensive experience and strong networks may reach higher compensation levels, especially in competitive markets. Salary packages often include performance-based incentives and benefits aligned with dealership or automotive industry standards.

What are Dealer Development Managers?

Dealer Development Managers are professionals responsible for building, maintaining, and improving relationships between a company and its network of dealers or distributors. They work to expand the dealer network, provide training, set sales targets, and ensure dealers meet brand standards. Their role often includes analyzing market trends, developing strategies to increase sales performance, and supporting dealers with resources and guidance to drive business growth. Dealer Development Managers play a crucial part in ensuring that the company’s products and services are effectively represented and sold through their dealer partners.

What Does a Dealer Development Manager Do?

As a dealer development manager, your job is to coordinate the establishment and growth of new dealerships on behalf of the primary company. In this context, a dealership is a branded store, such as a fast food restaurant or a bank branch, that is allowed some autonomy in its operations. For example, as a dealer development manager in the automotive industry, you may help a new owner decide where to place a car dealership, what vehicles to stock, what management structure to have, and what sales techniques the staff should learn. In this career, you frequently help develop business plans and sales strategies, monitor the performance of early employees, act as a liaison between the dealership and a dealer service center, and ensure the new dealership adheres to all company policies. Dealer development managers typically train and work with dealership employees at all levels, not just management and executives.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Dealer Development Manager can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through commissions, bonuses, and performance incentives, especially in industries like automotive or retail dealership networks. Success in this role depends on strong sales skills, industry knowledge, and building client relationships, with some positions offering high earning potential without requiring a formal degree.

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

To thrive as a Dealer Development Manager, you need strong sales acumen, business development experience, and often a bachelor's degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with CRM software, dealership management systems, and market analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills help you effectively manage dealer networks and drive performance. These skills ensure successful expansion and support of the dealer network, directly impacting revenue growth and brand presence.
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Dealer Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,448 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Dealer Development Manager

HNI Workplace Furnishings

Muscatine, IA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

HNI Corporation is a global family of brands for the workplace and home dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others, upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.
 
Your Impact Starts the Day You Do! 
 
What We Need: 
We are looking for a Dealer Development Manager to join our HNI Workplace Furnishings team. 
 
The Dealer Development Manager is responsible for supporting and growing the assigned dealer territory/network through implementation in alignment with the strategic organizational plan.  This role focuses on best practice benchmarking, enhancing brand connectivity, dealer operating systems, financial health, promoting lean warehouse and installation practices, and succession planning.
 
What You Will Do: 
  • Support the strategic growth initiatives within targeted markets through the acquisition and development of dealer partnerships. 
  • Assist with creating and implementing a robust onboarding experience for new dealers, creating a mutually beneficial partnership.
  • Identify and assist with the creation of training programs and content to drive sales and improve performance.
  • Provide guidance and tools in the dealer business planning process focusing on growing top line growth, financial health, and margin management.
  • Educate dealers on product offerings, incentives, pricing structures, and marketing initiatives.
  • Connect field sales members with internal resources to ensure timely, holistic support of strategic objectives.
  • Perform financial analysis and provide comprehensive reports to management on distribution growth capabilities.
  • Create, manage, and implement best practice modeling in the dealer operations and selling process.
  • Coordinate and report on dealer metrics and track sales performance. 
  • Participate in activities as appropriate to ensure the success of the organization.
 
What You Have: 
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field required.  
  • At least 2 years of commercial furnishings sales, dealer development/support, or relevant experience required; 4 years of experience preferred.