ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Chervon

Business Development Manager | EGO

Houston, TX · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Dealer / Customer Support and Relationship Management * Provide comprehensive training and ongoing ... Strong business development skills. * Effective negotiation skills. * Customer‑centric approach ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDealer Development JobsDealer Development Manager JobsDealer Development Manager Jobs in Houston, TX

Dealer Development Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$48.2K

$91.2K

$141.8K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Houston, TX is $91,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $122,200.00 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.
More about Dealer Development Manager jobs

What are popular job titles related to Dealer Development Manager jobs in Houston, TX?

For Dealer Development Manager jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dealer Development Manager jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Dealer Development Manager jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Dealer Development Manager job openings:

Dealer Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,150 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Dealer Development Manager, North Houston

Houston Dose

Houston, TX • On-site

$70 - $85/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

About the Role

The Dealer Development Manager will represent Upgrade Inc’s Auto Finance Division, promote our indirect lending programs, and manage relationships with dealership partners across the North Houston, TX market. The role includes staying current on local market conditions, collaborating with internal partners to improve customer solutions, and building lasting relationships with key decision makers to drive growth.

What You’ll Do Dealer Relationship Management
  • Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing dealer partners
  • Act as a trusted advisor to dealership owners, GMs, and F&I managers
  • Conduct regular in‑person dealership visits based on a structured drive schedule
  • Deliver consistent follow‑up and service to ensure dealer satisfaction and loyalty
Dealer Acquisition & Activation
  • Identify, onboard, and activate new dealer partners
  • Drive dealer sign‑ups and first deals ("activation")
  • Re‑engage inactive dealers (e.g., no deals in 90 days) and return them to production
  • Execute onboarding training to ensure dealers understand programs and systems
Production & Volume Growth
  • Achieve monthly funding and application volume goals
  • Increase contracts per active dealer and overall territory production
  • Focus on growing volume in Tier 3–5 segments while maintaining quality
  • Drive penetration targets (e.g., 3+ and 5+ deals per dealer per month)
Credit & Deal Structuring
  • Partner closely with underwriting/credit teams to structure deals effectively
  • Educate dealers on program guidelines, stipulations, and deal packaging
  • Improve pull‑through by coaching dealers on submitting clean, fundable deals
Portfolio Performance & Quality
  • Monitor dealer portfolio performance (delinquency, charge‑offs, profitability)
  • Manage dealer mix to align with company risk appetite and profitability goals
  • Shift focus toward preferred collateral and higher‑performing dealers
  • Ensure adherence to compliance, credit policies, and documentation standards
Training & Dealer Development
  • Conduct ongoing product and process training with dealership staff
  • Educate dealers on value‑added products
  • Provide market insights and best practices to improve dealer success
  • Position the company as a relationship‑driven partner versus a transactional lender
Territory & Activity Management
  • Maintain a disciplined weekly drive schedule maximizing in‑person dealer time
  • Track and manage activity through CRM (e.g., Salesforce)
  • Analyze territory performance and adjust strategy based on data
  • Participate in team calls, sales meetings, and performance reviews
What We Look For
  • 2+ years of experience in indirect auto finance, auto sales, or a related field
  • Strong understanding of credit tiers, loan structuring, and dealership operations
  • Proven ability to build relationships and drive sales growth
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills
  • Self‑motivated with strong time management and territory planning skills
  • Ability to travel locally (significant field time required)
What We Offer You
  • Competitive salary and stock option plan
  • 100% paid coverage of medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Flexible PTO
  • Competitive 401(k) and RRSP program
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health & wellness initiatives
Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply