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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Westlake Financial

Dealer Account Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

Our Dealer Account Managers are individuals with the vision and dedication to provide world-class ... You will manage and consult in all sales activities and account development for those dealers ...

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Dealer Development Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$44K

$83.2K

$129.4K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Michigan is $83,192.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,200.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dealer development manager do?

A dealer development manager is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with automotive or equipment dealers to increase sales and market share. They develop strategies for dealer recruitment, training, and support, often analyzing sales data and providing product knowledge to ensure dealer success. Strong communication, negotiation skills, and industry knowledge are essential for this role.

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 or Dealer Principal, who oversees all dealership operations and has significant profit and decision-making authority. These roles often earn high salaries plus bonuses based on dealership performance, with compensation varying by 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 is the highest salary of BDM?

The highest salary for a Dealer Development Manager (BDM) can vary based on experience, location, and industry, but it typically ranges from $80,000 to over $150,000 annually, with top performers earning even more through bonuses and commissions. Senior BDMs with extensive experience and strong networks may reach higher compensation levels, especially in competitive markets. Salary packages often include performance-based incentives and benefits aligned with dealership or automotive industry standards.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Dealer Development Manager can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through commissions, bonuses, and performance incentives, especially in industries like automotive or retail dealership networks. Success in this role depends on strong sales skills, industry knowledge, and building client relationships, with some positions offering high earning potential without requiring a formal degree.

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
Dealer Development Specialist

Dealer Development Specialist

Tiara Yachts

Holland, MI

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Tiara Yachts rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Tiara Yachts – Dealer Development Specialist

Location: Holland, Michigan

Role Summary

Tiara Yachts is seeking a highly organized and process-driven Dealer Development Specialist to support and enhance the dealer service and customer relations experience across the Tiara network. This role is responsible for driving consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement through dealer onboarding, training, systems management, performance tracking, and service-related initiatives.

Serving as the primary coordinator and systems expert for Customer Relations processes, this individual will ensure accurate data management, effective communication, and strong alignment between dealers and internal teams. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, technically proficient, and passionate about improving both dealer performance and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Dealer Onboarding & Setup

  • Lead the end-to-end onboarding process for new dealers to ensure a consistent and efficient startup experience
  • Review and communicate policy manuals, procedures, and service expectations
  • Manage user setup and system access across internal platforms including Dealer Direct, Waypoint, and related systems
  • Ensure all required dealer information, commissioning documentation, customer acceptance forms, and related records are collected, validated, and entered accurately and on time

Systems & Data Management

  • Serve as the primary “power user” and subject matter expert for Customer Relations systems and processes
  • Maintain accuracy and completeness of dealer and customer data across systems
  • Identify system gaps, inefficiencies, and user challenges; collaborate with internal teams to implement improvements
  • Support user access, troubleshooting, and compliance with established processes and procedures

Dealer Training & Development

  • Own the development, organization, and continuous improvement of dealer training programs, including Tiara Tech initiatives
  • Coordinate and manage training delivery across multiple formats including in-person sessions, online learning, and technical seminars
  • Support initiatives such as Tiara Technical Seminars, new model training, and digital learning modules
  • Ensure training consistency and standardization throughout the dealer network
  • Assist with onboarding and training of internal Customer Relations team members

Registration & Certification Support

  • Coordinate and support registration processes for boats and key components including engines, Seakeeper systems, generators, and related equipment
  • Assist dealers in obtaining and maintaining required certifications such as Mercury, Volvo, Garmin, HVAC, and related programs
  • Ensure compliance with manufacturer requirements and company standards

Dealer Programs & Performance Tracking

  • Manage administration and communication of the Dealer Elite Program
  • Track and report CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) scores, including initial and follow-up data

Technical Communication & Bulletins

  • Develop, distribute, and track technical and service bulletins across the dealer network
  • Monitor bulletin completion and compliance to ensure accountability and visibility

Claims & Process Support

  • Serve as a key resource for dealer questions related to claims processes and systems
  • Coordinate user access and support for claims management platforms

Quality Improvement & Field Feedback

  • Act as a central point for identifying recurring service and quality concerns from the field
  • Facilitate feedback loops between dealers and internal departments including Quality, Engineering, and Customer Relations
  • Support RAIL initiatives and dealer quality meetings
  • Track recurring issues and support continuous improvement efforts aimed at reducing warranty claims and improving customer satisfaction

Qualifications & Experience

  • Experience supporting dealer networks, customer relations, service operations, or technical support environments in the marine industry required
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
  • Experience working with systems, databases, and process management tools
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Apply