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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chubb

Business Development Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$107K - $156K/yr

Business Development Manager, Los Angeles, CA The position will be based within the defined ... Capable of dealing with highly visibility * Must be able to effectively work in a team and matrix ...

Kia America, Inc.

Finance Administrator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

Review, analyze, and manage Dealer Development-related activities. (Payment and proposal review for new dealer support and SI 2.0 project). Priority Three - 15% * Perform various financial analyses ...

Kia America

Finance Administrator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

Review, analyze, and manage Dealer Development-related activities. (Payment and proposal review for new dealer support and SI 2.0 project). Priority Three - 15% * Perform various financial analyses ...

Kia America

Finance Administrator

Irvine, CA

$63K - $82K/yr

Review, analyze, and manage Dealer Development-related activities. (Payment and proposal review for new dealer support and SI 2.0 project). Priority Three - 15% * Perform various financial analyses ...

Lendbuzz

$90K - $300K/yr

Build and Strengthen Dealer Relationships Serve as a senior relationship builder for key dealership partners, providing consultative support and reinforcing a high-touch, service-first experience.

Lendbuzz

$90K - $300K/yr

Build and Strengthen Dealer Relationships Serve as a senior relationship builder for key dealership partners, providing consultative support and reinforcing a high-touch, service-first experience.

Snap-on Inc

Product Development Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$165K - $190K/yr

... Development Manager. The successful candidate will lead the technical management of CMS platforms ... dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries, including aviation and ...

Snap-on Inc

Product Development Manager

San Jose, CA

$165K - $190K/yr

... Development Manager. The successful candidate will lead the technical management of CMS platforms ... dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries, including aviation and ...

Snap-on Inc

Product Development Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$165K - $190K/yr

... Development Manager. The successful candidate will lead the technical management of CMS platforms ... dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries, including aviation and ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 9, 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 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 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.

Is being a dealer development manager a stressful job?

Dealer Development Managers often face stress related to meeting sales targets, managing client relationships, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders. The role can involve long hours and high-pressure situations, especially during product launches or market changes, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

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.
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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, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Business Development Manager (AZ, CO, FL)

VIA AUTO FINANCE LLC

Irvine, CA • On-site

$72K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Via Auto Finance is growing! We have an opening for a Business Development Managers in the AZ, CO and FL markets. Here are the details;

Position Summary:

Business Development Managers (BDMs) play an integral role in driving and supporting the growth of our business. BDMs are responsible for promoting Via Auto Finance as the lender of choice and providing support to our dealer partners in financing customers. This is a field position that requires frequent travel within the assigned region.

Responsibilities:

  • Establish, develop and maintain positive business relationships with independent and franchise car dealerships in a designated market.
  • Drive the sale of the Company's products and services (i.e. GAP insurance, Collateral Protection insurance, Warranties, GPS installation services, etc.) by educating dealerships on their features and advantages.
  • Boost sales by performing cost benefit and needs analysis presentations for dealer clients and prospects which highlight solutions that utilize the Company's products and services.
  • Implementing innovative sales and merchandising initiatives to achieve the sales goals and customer satisfaction objectives of the Company.
  • Generate and pursue sales leads as well as new dealership relationships using cold calling techniques, business directories, referrals, onsite field visits, etc.
  • Develop and execute marketing strategies to compete with other individuals and/or companies who sell similar products and services.
  • Meet or exceed established sales quotas while maintaining accepted delinquency/loss levels on the portfolio.
  • Partner with the internal underwriting department, when necessary, to maximize sales and deal flow.
  • Educate dealerships on the expected applicant standards such as credit quality, residence/employment stability, etc. and ensure all stipulations are submitted.
  • Drive appropriate applications to Via.
  • Capture approved and conditioned applications.
  • Review and coach dealers on Declines / Auto Declines
  • Attend meetings, sales events, and training seminars to keep abreast of the latest industry developments.
  • Significant travel within an assigned geographical area.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Requirements:

  • 3 - 4 years’ prior industry related business development experience
  • A strong background in outside sales.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with different sales techniques and pipeline management.
  • Ability and motivation to travel to multiple sales locations and plan/strategize sales for an assigned geographic region.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and problem solving skills with the ability to persuade and influence others.
  • Ability to interact with others in a professional, tactful and sensitive manner.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and to work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft office (excel, word, outlook).
  • Experience with Dealertrack, RouteOne, and LOS systems such as DEFI are a plus