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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

ECHO

Business Development Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Business Development Manager will support dealers by facilitating inventory sell-through ... Monitor dealer inventories and support sell-through efforts. * Assist dealers with advertising ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 24, 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.

What is a dealer development manager?

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.

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 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.

Is being a dealer development manager a stressful job?

Dealer Development Managers 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.
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Dealer Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,198 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Regional Sales Manager

Kia America, Inc.

Irvine, CA

$135K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Kia rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 45 rated automakers

Job description

At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.

Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.
Status

Exempt 

General Summary

Manages, plans, organizes, directs, controls and prioritizes the activities of the District Sales Managers in all areas of their job responsibility (sales, distribution, marketing, merchandising, dealer development, business management, and sales-related customer satisfaction) in accordance with corporate and regional objectives.  Activities involve coordinated effort with Regional Department Managers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1st Priority - 50%

Manage and prioritize activities of all Regional District Sales Managers to ensure compliance with corporate and regional objectives & operating standards as to sales/distribution, marketing/merchandising, dealer development/business management activities.

2nd Priority - 20%

Manage development and implementation of dealer/DSM action plans.

3rd Priority - 15%

Investigate and ensure timely resolution of all dealer complaints and requests for assistance in the areas of sales/distribution, marketing/merchandising, and dealer development/business management.

4th Priority - 10%

Prepare and maintain annual budget for area of responsibility.  Develop regional dealer cash programs, sales manager programs to stay within the budget.

5th Priority - 5%

Develop monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual sales forecasts in conjunction with Regional Distribution Manager; review dealer sales, inventory and vehicle shipments to ensure maximum balance of inventory.

Qualifications/Education
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience and demonstrated skill are required
Job Requirement

Overall Experience:

  • Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience within the automotive industry at wholesale/retail levels.

Directly Related Experience:

  • A minimum of five years experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity at the regional staff management level involving dealer development, retail merchandising and distribution.
Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required
  • Above average presentation and negotiation skills
  • Excellent communication skills required (written and oral)
  • High level organizational, planning and analytical skills
  • Intermediate PC skills in a windows-based environment

Competencies

  • Care for People
  • Chase Excellence Every Day
  • Dare to Push Boundaries
  • Empower People to Act
  • Move Further Together

Pay Range

$135,501.00 - $189,796.00 

Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunities

KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices.  The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

Disclaimer:  The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

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