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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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This position works in collaboration with Dealers Services and Dealer Development acting as liaison ... Excellent planning, time management, and organizational skills * Excellent sales and customer ...

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Dealer Development Manager information

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$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.
What are popular job titles related to Dealer Development Manager jobs in Michigan? For Dealer Development Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dealer Development Manager jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Dealer Development Manager jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Dealer Development Manager job openings:
Outside Sales Representative - Drag Specialties (Greater Detroit MI)

Outside Sales Representative - Drag Specialties (Greater Detroit MI)

LeMans Corporation dba Parts Unlimited - Drag Specialties

Detroit, MI • On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 20 days ago

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Job description

LeMans Corporation, the leading global powersports distributor of motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV/UTV and personal watercraft parts and accessories headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin has an immediate opening for an Outside Sales Representative.

Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties are looking for a qualified outside sales representative to fill a key position in the following area:

  • Greater Metro Detroit

Detroit, Michigan would be the ideal location to be based out of, however applicants will be expected to service the above area within a commutable distance.

The Sales Representative implements the company’s sales and marketing plans to meet the business goals of our expanding customer base in the market area. This position is responsible for all direct sales activities within the territory. The Sales Representative has direct interaction with assigned customers, builds and maintains long lasting relations and ensures high level of customer service is provided. This position works in collaboration with Dealers Services and Dealer Development acting as liaison between LeMans and the Dealer.

Essential Functions

  • Generates sales revenue to meet assigned sales goals, maintaining regular dealers’ visits according to company standards
  • Provides comprehensive customer service to assigned dealers creating account strategies, prepare future purchasing orders, and present merchandise in a compelling way to attract more customers
  • Attends to required vendor and company sponsored trade shows and dealer events
  • Acts as liaison between LeMans departments and the customers
  • Drives to and from assigned customers to perform sales and customer service duties
  • Keeps current with company programs, new products, services, and other industry related information, such as competitive activity within territory
  • Other duties as needed

This is an outside sales position that will require extensive daily travel within the territory. It requires the use of your own vehicle, therefore a reliable car or truck is necessary.

Non-essential Functions

  • To be determined

Required Qualifications and Education

  • 2 years’ experience in Powersports Industry sales
  • Reliable car or truck with appropriate insurance
  • Computer with internet access
  • Cell phone
  • Good working knowledge of MS suite applications (MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Outlook)
  • Excellent planning, time management, and organizational skills
  • Excellent sales and customer service skills
  • Retail apparel sales preferred
  • Motorcycle knowledge preferred
  • Understanding of e-commerce and/or market place sales a plus

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.

  • Must be able to drive daily to and from customers
  • Must be able to move about inside dealer stores
  • Must be able to ascend/descend a ladder
  • Must be able to position self to merchandise and move products
  • Must be able to lift and transfer weight of 40 pounds
  • Must be able to communicate verbally and written
  • Must be able to read from a screen

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Discount

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

LeMans Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. LeMans Corporation will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. There are not any current or future visa sponsorships for this opening.

This company participates in E-Verify.

Notice to California Employees and Prospective Employees
https://downloads.lemansnet.com/docs/LeMans_CA_employee_privacy_policy.pdf

Company Description

LeMans Corporation is a leader in the powersports world, fueling adventures everywhere with top brands like Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties—because life’s better on two wheels (or more).