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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Conduct regular dealer audits across North America to ensure compliance with company standards and operational excellence * Manage the distribution network to drive profitability and growth ...

Network Development Manager

Schaumburg, IL · On-site +1

$125K - $150K/yr

Conduct regular dealer audits across North America to ensure compliance with company standards and operational excellence * Manage the distribution network to drive profitability and growth ...

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to lead client acquisition ... Conduct dealership staff training for sales, service and accounting departments. Qualifications

Today, Henricksen is a leading national dealership with twelve offices in Illinois, Minnesota, New ... The A+D Business Development Manager will drive measurable sales growth by building high-value ...

Today, Henricksen is a leading national dealership with twelve offices in Illinois, Minnesota, New ... The A+D Business Development Manager will drive measurable sales growth by building high-value ...

About the team As a Sales Development Manager at Stripe, you'll drive Stripe's future growth engine ... We're looking for a self-starter who has demonstrated success dealing with ambiguity, operating in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dealer Development Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.1K

$98.4K

$153.1K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Chicago, IL is $98,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $132,000.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Dealer Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Dealer Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dealer Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Dealer Development Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Dealer Development Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,403 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Marine Dealer Development Representative

Interstate Companies Inc

Portage, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Marine Dealer Development Representative

Interstate Power Systems | Upper Midwest Territory

Build Dealer Relationships. Driving Growth. Support Industry-Leading Marine Solutions.

Interstate Power Systems is seeking a highly motivated Marine Dealer Development Representative to support and grow our network of marine dealers throughout the Upper Midwest. This outside sales and dealer development role is responsible for strengthening relationships with current dealers, onboarding and developing new dealers, driving parts and service revenue growth, and ensuring exceptional support for the marine products and solutions we represent.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sales, dealer development, marine propulsion systems, or related industrial equipment industries and enjoy working directly with customers to help them grow their businesses.

This position supports an assigned territory that includes portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri and requires approximately 50% overnight travel.

What You'll Do

As a Marine Dealer Development Representative, you will serve as the primary liaison between Interstate Power Systems and our authorized marine dealer network, helping dealers maximize sales performance, customer satisfaction, and operational success.

Dealer Development & Relationship Management

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with marine dealers, marinas, service providers, and boat dealerships throughout the assigned territory.
  • Identify, recruit, onboard, and develop new dealer partners to expand market coverage and increase brand presence.
  • Conduct regular dealer visits to strengthen partnerships, review performance, and identify growth opportunities.
  • Act as a trusted business advisor to dealers by providing guidance, support, and industry expertise.

Sales Growth & Business Development

  • Drive parts, service, and product sales growth across the dealer network.
  • Work collaboratively with dealers to establish annual sales objectives and business plans.
  • Promote manufacturer programs, incentives, and marketing campaigns designed to increase dealer engagement and revenue.
  • Identify opportunities for market expansion and increased product penetration.
  • Monitor dealer performance and provide recommendations to improve sales effectiveness and profitability.

Dealer Support & Training

  • Provide dealers with information regarding products, programs, policies, procedures, and warranty processes.
  • Deliver onboarding, operational, and systems training to new and existing dealer partners.
  • Ensure dealers remain informed on new product offerings, product enhancements, and industry developments.
  • Coordinate and facilitate dealer education initiatives and training opportunities.

Operational Excellence

  • Partner with Interstate branch teams to ensure efficient order fulfillment and exceptional customer support.
  • Manage dealer agreements, renewals, compliance requirements, and annual evaluations.
  • Conduct dealer audits to ensure adherence to company and manufacturer standards.
  • Resolve escalated dealer concerns and coordinate resources needed to support customer success.
  • Maintain accurate activity records, sales forecasts, and territory reports.

Industry Engagement

  • Represent Interstate Power Systems at regional trade shows, industry events, customer meetings, and dealer conferences.
  • Organize and support annual dealer meetings and networking events.
  • Stay informed on industry trends, competitive activity, and customer needs within the marine market.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of 3 years of outside sales, territory management, dealer development, business development, or account management experience.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to travel throughout the assigned territory, including approximately 50% overnight travel.
  • Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Self-motivated and capable of working independently while managing multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience within the marine, industrial, power generation, heavy equipment, trucking, or related industries.
  • Knowledge of marine propulsion systems, marine service operations, or marine parts distribution.
  • Experience managing dealer networks, distribution channels, or partner relationships.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field preferred but not required.

Why Join Interstate Power Systems?

At Interstate Power Systems, we are committed to helping our customers succeed by providing industry-leading products, parts, service, and support. You'll join a team that values relationships, accountability, innovation, and customer service while offering opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

We Offer

  • Competitive base salary plus incentive-based commission opportunities
  • Company vehicle
  • Company laptop and cell phone
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) options
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
  • Career growth within a growing and stable organization

Join Our Team

If you're passionate about building customer relationships, developing successful dealer partnerships, and growing a territory within the marine industry, we encourage you to apply and become part of the Interstate Power Systems team.