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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Logistics One

Business Development Manager

KS · On-site

Building and managing client and carrier relationships through cold calling, qualifying and closing ... Comfortable dealing with situational ambiguity * Ability to work in a technologically advanced ...

Oakes Kia of Olathe

Sales Manager

Olathe, KS · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced dealership environment ... development. Established in 2010, Oakes Auto Group is family-owned and locally operated, with a ...

Oakes Kia of Olathe

Sales Manager

Olathe, KS · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced dealership environment ... development. Established in 2010, Oakes Auto Group is family-owned and locally operated, with a ...

Oakes Kia of Olathe

Sales Manager

Olathe, KS · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced dealership environment ... development. Established in 2010, Oakes Auto Group is family-owned and locally operated, with a ...

CDK

New Business Sales - Automotive CRM

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$85K/yr

About Us CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud-based software to dealerships and Original ... Position Summary The Account Development Executive position drives top line growth by forging ...

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Dealer Development Manager information

See Kansas salary details

$45K

$85.1K

$132.4K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Kansas is $85,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $114,200.00 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

Dealer Development Manager (Kansas City, Missouri)

Upgrade

Kansas City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About the Role:

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 Upgrade Inc. and our dealership partners. The Dealer Development Manager is also responsible for staying up-to-date on local market conditions and industry trends. In this role, you will work with internal partners to find solutions that better serve our customers, and build long lasting relationships with key decision makers to drive growth and continuous improvement. 

This position requires residency in the Kansas City, Missouri market.


What You'll Do:

Dealer Relationship Management

  • Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing dealer partners
  • Act as a trusted advisor to dealership owners, GMs, and F&I managers
  • Conduct regular in-person dealership visits based on a structured drive schedule
  • Deliver consistent follow-up and service to ensure dealer satisfaction and loyalty

Dealer Acquisition & Activation

  • Identify, onboard, and activate new dealer partners
  • Drive dealer sign-ups and first deals ("activation")
  • Re-engage inactive dealers (e.g., no deals in 90 days) and return them to production
  • Execute onboarding training to ensure dealers understand programs and systems

Production & Volume Growth

  • Achieve monthly funding and application volume goals
  • Increase contracts per active dealer and overall territory production
  • Focus on growing volume in Tier 3-5 segments while maintaining quality
  • Drive penetration targets (e.g., 3+ and 5+ deals per dealer per month)

Credit & Deal Structuring

  • Partner closely with underwriting/credit teams to structure deals effectively
  • Educate dealers on program guidelines, stips, and deal packaging
  • Improve pull-through by coaching dealers on submitting clean, fundable deals

Portfolio Performance & Quality

  • Monitor dealer portfolio performance (delinquency, charge-offs, profitability)
  • Manage dealer mix to align with company risk appetite and profitability goals
  • Shift focus toward preferred collateral and higher-performing dealers
  • Ensure adherence to compliance, credit policies, and documentation standards

Training & Dealer Development

  • Conduct ongoing product and process training with dealership staff
  • Educate dealers on value-added products 
  • Provide market insights and best practices to improve dealer success
  • Position the company as a relationship-driven partner vs. transactional lender

Territory & Activity Management

  • Maintain a disciplined weekly drive schedule maximizing in-person dealer time
  • Track and manage activity through CRM (e.g., Salesforce)
  • Analyze territory performance and adjust strategy based on data
  • Participate in team calls, sales meetings, and performance reviews


What We Look For:

  • 2+ years of experience in indirect auto finance, auto sales, or related field
  • Strong understanding of credit tiers, loan structuring, and dealership operations
  • Proven ability to build relationships and drive sales growth
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
  • Self-motivated with strong time management and territory planning skills
  • Ability to travel locally (significant field time required)

What We Offer You: 

  • Competitive salary, uncapped commission and stock option plan
  • Paid coverage of medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible PTO
  • Competitive 401(k) and RRSP program
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health & wellness initiatives

Apply