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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Palfinger

Network Development Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Conduct regular dealer audits across North America to ensure compliance with company standards and operational excellence * Manage the distribution network to drive profitability and growth ...

PALFINGER

Network Development Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site +1

$125K - $150K/yr

Conduct regular dealer audits across North America to ensure compliance with company standards and operational excellence * Manage the distribution network to drive profitability and growth ...

Trucordia

Business Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to lead client acquisition ... Conduct dealership staff training for sales, service and accounting departments. Qualifications

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All JobsDealer Development JobsDealer Development Manager JobsDealer Development Manager Jobs in Illinois

Dealer Development Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$48.9K

$92.5K

$143.9K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Illinois is $92,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $124,000.00 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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What cities in Illinois are hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Dealer Development Manager job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Dealer Development Manager jobs in IL? For Dealer Development Manager jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Dealer Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in Illinois 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 $92,491 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Network Development Manager

Palfinger

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Palfinger rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

For more than 90 years, PALFINGER has set benchmarks with innovative crane and lifting solutions worldwide. As a leading technology and mechanical engineering company, we transform customer needs into seamlessly integrated solutions while providing opportunities for our people to grow, collaborate, and push beyond limits. We foster an environment where we reach up, reach out, and reach beyond. Become part of our team and let's lift each other to create what's next.
Join PALFINGER as aNetwork Development Manager, where you will drive the growth, performance, and effectiveness of our dealer network across North America. In this role, you will partner closely with Sales, Service, and Marketing to strengthen dealer capabilities, ensure alignment with company standards, and elevate the overall customer experience. You will lead initiatives to optimize network performance, identify new partnership opportunities, and support continuous improvement across distribution channels. This role can be based in Schaumburg, IL or remotely within the U.S., located near a major airport to support travel requirements.
Your Responsibilities
  • Implement network development strategies, programs, and processes aligned with product lines and key departments
  • Conduct regular dealer audits across North America to ensure compliance with company standards and operational excellence
  • Manage the distribution network to drive profitability and growth, including KPI follow-up on contractual standards and commitments
  • Ensure implementation of PALFINGER Distributor and Partner Standards to deliver a best-in-class customer experience and strengthen partnerships
  • Oversee dealer lifecycle processes including appointments, improvements, and terminations, while identifying and onboarding new partners
_____
Your Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
  • Minimum five years of experience in network, partner, or dealer development roles
  • Strong understanding of business processes with a customer-centric mindset
  • Proven organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks
  • Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and change management capabilities
  • Ability to work in Schaumburg, IL or remotely within the U.S. near a major airport to support travel requirements between 40 to 75%
_____
What We Offer
  • Salary Range: $125,000 - 150,000 base salary + bonus eligible
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays
  • Wellness program to support employee well-being
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth in a global organization

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

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