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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Motive Companies

Dealer Success Manager

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Automotive Technology, or related field preferred. * 5+ years of experience in dealer development, channel management, customer success, service operations ...

Kia America

Regional Sales Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $189K/yr

... dealer development, business management, and sales-related customer satisfaction) in accordance with corporate and regional objectives. Activities involve coordinated effort with Regional Department ...

Kia America, Inc.

Regional Sales Manager

Irvine, CA

$135K - $189K/yr

... dealer development, business management, and sales-related customer satisfaction) in accordance with corporate and regional objectives. Activities involve coordinated effort with Regional Department ...

Owens Corning

Business Development Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site

Remote Requisition ID: 68701 The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving sales growth and market share through dealer activation, demand generation, and indirect selling . This role ...

Kia America

Regional Sales Manager

Irvine, CA

$135K - $189K/yr

... dealer development, business management, and sales-related customer satisfaction) in accordance with corporate and regional objectives. Activities involve coordinated effort with Regional Department ...

Eureka Ergonomic

Territory Sales Representative

Corona, CA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Career growth toward a Regional Sales Manager or Dealer Development Manager role. * Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; employee discounts. * Full-time onsite with travel ...

Owens Corning

Business Development Manager

Fresno, CA · Remote

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving sales growth and market share through dealer activation, demand generation, and indirect selling . This role partners closely with dealers ...

Owens Corning

Business Development Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving sales growth and market share through dealer activation, demand generation, and indirect selling . This role partners closely with dealers ...

Albany Subaru

Business Development Manager

Albany, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Business Development Manager Company Description Victory Automotive Group is family owned ... Our continued commitment is to improve our dealerships and services to satisfy our customer's wants ...

Albany Subaru

Business Development Manager

Albany, CA · On-site

Business Development Manager Company Description Victory Automotive Group is family owned ... Our continued commitment is to improve our dealerships and services to satisfy our customer's wants ...

Eureka Ergonomic

Territory Sales Representative

Corona, CA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Career growth toward a Regional Sales Manager or Dealer Development Manager role. * Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; employee discounts. * Full-time onsite with travel ...

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All JobsDealer Development JobsDealer Development Manager JobsDealer Development Manager Jobs in California

Dealer Development Manager information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$94.2K

$146.6K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in California is $94,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

Dealer Development Managers (BDMs) often face stress due to targets, client relationships, and market fluctuations. The role requires strong communication, negotiation skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities, which can contribute to a high-pressure environment.

What does a dealer development manager do?

A dealer development manager oversees the growth and performance of dealership partners by providing training, support, and strategic guidance. They work to improve sales, customer satisfaction, and compliance, often using data analysis and relationship management skills to achieve business goals.

Is BDM higher than sales manager?

A Dealer Development Manager (BDM) typically focuses on building relationships with dealerships and expanding business opportunities, while a Sales Manager oversees sales teams and manages sales targets. The hierarchy depends on the company's structure, but BDM roles are often considered strategic and may be senior or specialized positions within the sales or business development functions.

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, who oversees all dealership operations and can earn six-figure salaries including bonuses. Other high-paying roles include Finance Directors and Regional Managers, depending on the 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 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 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 California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,198 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Dealer Success Manager

Dealer Success Manager

Advanced Charging Technologies

Fountain Valley, CA

$110K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Dealer Success Manager is responsible for developing, supporting, and growing the company's dealer and distribution network of ACT products. This role acts as the primary relationship manager for dealers, ensuring strong operational performance, customer satisfaction, technical readiness, sales growth, and alignment with company objectives.

The Dealer Success Manager will work cross-functionally with sales, service, warranty, training, logistics, and engineering teams to deliver exceptional dealer experience and improve overall network performance.


Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned dealers and channel partners.
  • Build long-term strategic relationships with dealer ownership, management, sales, and service teams.
  • Conduct regular business reviews to evaluate dealer performance, opportunities, and improvement plans.
  • Support dealer onboarding and ensure successful launch of new dealer locations.
  • Maintain strong communication regarding company initiatives, product updates, campaigns, and operational changes.
  • Identify underperforming dealers and implement corrective action plans.
  • Assist dealers in forecasting equipment, parts, and service demand.
  • Support dealers with commissioning processes, field troubleshooting, and escalation management.
  • Work closely with technical support and engineering teams to resolve recurring field issues.
  • Assist dealers in resolving customer escalations in a professional and timely manner.
  • Promote best practices for service operations, warranty processing, and communication standards.
  • Ensure dealer compliance with company service level agreements (SLAs).
  • Review warranty trends and identify opportunities for product or process improvement.
  • Ensure dealers follow safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
  • Provide field feedback to improve products, documentation, training, and dealer tools.
  • Support product launches and field readiness initiatives.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Automotive Technology, or related field preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in dealer development, channel management, customer success, service operations, or related field.
  • Experience within charging, automotive, industrial equipment, material handling, or power systems industries preferred.
  • Strong understanding of dealership operations and service management.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to analyze operational data and performance metrics.
  • Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities.
  • Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and dealer management tools.
  • Ability to travel up to 50%.

Preferred Requirements:

  • Knowledge of charging infrastructure and charging technologies.
  • Familiarity with commissioning, diagnostics, and field service processes.
  • Experience managing warranty programs and dealer compliance.
  • Understanding of electrical systems and safety standards.
  • Experience developing dealer networks and channel growth strategies

Pay: $110,000-$165,600 DEO

#MCTA1


Education:Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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