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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Technology Development Manager

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$140K - $170K/yr

As a Technology Development Manager will lead a team of full-stack engineers building and ... Familiarity with automotive digital retailing, dealer website platforms, or marketing automation ...

As a Technology Development Manager will lead a team of full-stack engineers building and ... Familiarity with automotive digital retailing, dealer website platforms, or marketing automation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dealer Development Manager information

See Washington salary details

$57.2K

$108.1K

$168.2K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Washington is $108,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $145,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

Dealer Development Managers (BDMs) 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.

What does a dealer development manager do?

A dealer development manager oversees the growth and performance of dealership partners by providing training, support, and strategic guidance. They work to improve sales, customer satisfaction, and compliance, often using data analysis and relationship management skills to achieve business goals.

Is BDM higher than sales manager?

A Dealer Development Manager (BDM) typically focuses on building relationships with dealerships and expanding business opportunities, while a Sales Manager oversees sales teams and manages sales targets. The hierarchy depends on the company's structure, but BDM roles are often considered strategic and may be senior or specialized positions within the sales or business development functions.

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, who oversees all dealership operations and can earn six-figure salaries including bonuses. Other high-paying roles include Finance Directors and Regional Managers, depending on the 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 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 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 Washington? For Dealer Development Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dealer Development Manager jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Dealer Development Manager jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,104 per year, or $52 per hour.

Business Development Manager - Americas

SRT Marine

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

About em-trak & SRT Marine Systems
SRT Marine Systems plc (SRT) is a global leader in maritime domain awareness technologies, delivering systems and products that enhance maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and operational performance worldwide.
em-trak is SRT's internationally recognized AIS and marine communications brand, with a global network of over 5,000 dealers and distributors and a significant installed base across leisure, commercial, and government markets. Our portfolio includes AIS Class A and B transceivers, small vessel trackers and integrated VHF/AIS systems, with continued expansion into a broader connected marine ecosystem.
As we enter the next phase of growth in the Americas, we are seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded Business Development Manager to lead and shape our channel development across the region. This is a truly progressive role where you, as an individual, can and will make a huge impact on the future growth of the em-trak brand!


Overview

The Business Development Manager will spearhead em-trak's strategic expansion across the U.S. and broader Americas, focusing on building a robust channel and market presence. This high-level, commercially driven role emphasizes strengthening distributor partnerships, activating dealer networks, and cultivating sustainable demand within key market segments; operating within a distributor-led model that relies on credibility, collaboration, and strategic alignment rather than direct control.


Key Responsibilities of the Business Development Manager

  • Channel & Distributor Strategy: Optimize distributor performance, develop collaborative growth plans, and ensure alignment with em-trak's brand, product, and margin objectives. Collaborate with manufacturers' representatives to maximize territory coverage.
  • Dealer & Installer Activation: Map and qualify dealer networks, identify high-potential partners, and lead enablement initiatives such as training and trade show engagement to drive demand and value propositions.
  • Market & Segment Development: Prioritize high-value verticals (e.g., commercial retrofit, OEM, government), develop tailored strategies, and support OEM and integrator relationships. Provide market insights to inform product and pricing strategies.
  • Demand Generation & Brand Positioning: Represent em-trak at regional industry events, enhance brand credibility, and support targeted marketing initiatives aligned with channel strategies.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align regional efforts with global sales and product teams, relay market intelligence, and contribute to long-term regional growth planning.


Business Development Manager - what success looks like in the first 12 Months

  • Clear channel segmentation and mapping.
  • Enhanced distributor engagement and accountability.
  • Activation and increased engagement of key dealers.
  • Development of a structured pipeline within target verticals.
  • Elevated market visibility and strengthened brand positioning.
  • Be pivotal role in shaping em-trak's growth in the Americas.


Experience (not exhaustive)

  • Exceptional business development or regional sales within marine electronics or related technical sectors (aerospace, communications, etc.).
  • Proven success in distributor-led markets and dealer network development.
  • Experience collaborating with manufacturers' reps.
  • Strong commercial acumen with technical literacy to engage with OEMs, installers, and integrators.
  • Marine electronics experience is highly advantageous.


Personal Attributes

  • Strategic, disciplined, and commercially astute.
  • Skilled in building credibility and partnerships within distributor-led environments.
  • Confident communicator across all levels.
  • Organized, focused on high-value segments, and resilient in a dynamic market.
  • Motivated by sustainable growth rather than short-term wins.


Location & Travel

  • Based in the U.S.A
  • Regular travel across the Americas region required, including trade shows, distributor visits, and customer engagement.


Business Development Manager - What We Offer

  • Competitive salary with performance incentives.
  • Healthcare benefits.
  • Flexible working arrangements.