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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Westlake Financial

Dealer Account Manager

Lansing, 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 ...

The Hankey Group

Dealer Account Manager

Lansing, MI

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 ...

The Hankey Group

Dealer Account Manager

Detroit, MI

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 ...

Stellantis

Dealer Audit Manager

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

The Dealer Audit Warranty Manager is responsible for leading and supervising dealer auditors and ... Negotiation and persuasion, strategy development, problem solving, along with autonomous decision ...

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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 Account Manager

Dealer Account Manager

Westlake Financial

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

WESTLAKE FINANCIAL
Westlake Financial is the largest privately held auto finance company in the United States with demonstrated growth year over year. We continue to expand our teams and diversify our business model. This leads to cementing us as a leader in the automotive lending industry.
Westlake continues to grow its market share within the Auto Industry with assets in excess of 20B. We have business relationships in all 50 states, including Puerto Rico. We are looking to acquire talented individuals as we expand our market share. Westlake Financial believes in PEOPLE with the PURPOSE and PASSION to assist our more than 25,000 dealer partners throughout North America.
Our Dealer Account Managers are individuals with the vision and dedication to provide world-class customer service to our dealer partners through training and prospecting for business opportunities. This is a challenging, dynamic field position with high earnings potential and opportunities for career advancement.
The Dealer Account Manager position offers a highly incentivized performance-based compensation package. A motivated and driven individual can earn up to and beyond a six-figure income.
We invite you to learn more about the position, please visit https://www.westlakefinancial.com/employee-recruitment/
Job Description
Dealer Account Manager
Remote - on the road
Our Dealer Account Managers are individuals with the vision and dedication needed to assist our current and future dealer partner sell more cars and trucks by financing more customers.
Our Dealer Account Manager is a challenging and dynamic position with opportunity for advancement. As a Dealer Account Manager with Westlake Financial, you will be educating and training our current Dealer partners in the assigned area, along with acquiring new source and contacts. You will manage and consult in all sales activities and account development for those dealers within the area assigned. You will also manage quality and consistency of product and service delivery.
Being in a fast-paced environment, this role requires a consultative sales and management approach. Each Dealer Account Manager will manage their own dealer base to understand the Westlake Program so they can grow and succeed
This is a full-time position including full-time benefits. We are looking for highly motivated, highly dedicated candidates who are comfortable working in a field environment and traveling in a local market.
What is it like being part of the Westlake Team?
  • New Hire training is provided to ensure your success in your new role. This training will prepare and provide you with proper knowledge and skills to perform the role successfully.
  • You will be part of a positive environment and supportive team where you will be encouraged to raise questions, promote ideas to yield good results.
  • We are a well-established and constantly growing auto finance company; we believe in PEOPLE with the PURPOSE and PASSION.

What will you do as our Dealer Account Manger?
  • Prepare presentations and proposals to communicate company products and services to all levels of management within Independent and Franchise Dealerships
  • Identify sales prospects and contact these and other accounts assigned to you
  • Follow-up on new leads and referrals resulting from field activity in both independent and franchise dealers
  • Develop, maintain and grow current and potential dealer partners within the Independent and Franchise Dealer communities
  • Constant and effective communication via phone and in-person visits with dealer partners to train on current programs and fast funding requirements
  • Provide solutions, rehash and restructure vehicle loans for approval in a profitable manner for Westlake and the Dealership Partners
  • Assist with the preparation of sales contracts by educating the dealer on what is needed for proper verification by Westlake Financial
  • Develop, maintain and understand sales materials and keep up to date on current financial product knowledge
  • Participate in marketing events such as seminars, trade shows, and telemarketing events for independent and franchise dealers

Qualifications
Qualities we look for in our Dealer Account Manger?
  • Demonstrated experience in Automotive, Finance and Sales (required)
  • 1-2 year's previous experience in a Sales role with a proven track record of success
  • College degree (preferred or equivalent work experience)
  • Presentation skills (from initial creation to delivery)
  • Strong Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Knowledge of advertising and sales promotion techniques
  • Strong computer skills and adaptability to new technology
  • Goal oriented with a desire for improvement and advancement
  • Able to communicate and work amicably with diverse teams
  • Knowledge/Experience with the use of DealerTrack, Routeone, or CUDL (beneficial)
  • Previous Outside Sales Experience, (preferred)
  • Significant local travel to current and potential clients. This requires the possession of a valid state driver's license

Benefits
What do we offer?
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
  • Life Insurance and Long-term disability plans
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401K matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program in a $20 Billion Company, plus company matching
  • Wellness Programs
  • Metro Tap Card and Metro-link Reimbursement (for Los Angeles, CA employees only)
  • Career Path Opportunities
  • Discounts on Parks, Museums, Movie Tickets, and Attractions
  • Annual Flu Shot
  • Paid Vacations Days
  • Paid Sick days
  • Paid holidays
  • HGym (available in our Los Angeles, CA & Dallas,TX office)
  • Rental Car Discounts, Dell Member Purchase Program
  • UKG Wallet

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not unlawfully discriminate in employment. No question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excluding any applicant from consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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