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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Culligan

Director, Franchise Development

Rosemont, IL

$135K - $160K/yr

The Director of Franchise Development will support and manage active and new franchise ... dealer network. * Maintain strong working relationships with Regional Sales Managers to support ...

Culligan International Company

Be Seen First

Director, Franchise Development

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

The Director of Franchise Development will support and manage active and new franchise ... dealer network. * Maintain strong working relationships with Regional Sales Managers to support ...

Culligan

Director, Franchise Development

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$135K - $160K/yr

The Director of Franchise Development will support and manage active and new franchise ... dealer network. * Maintain strong working relationships with Regional Sales Managers to support ...

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All JobsDealer Development JobsDealer Development Manager JobsDealer Development Manager Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Dealer Development Manager information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$49.7K

$93.9K

$146.1K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Park Ridge, IL is $93,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $126,000.00 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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What job categories do people searching Dealer Development Manager jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Dealer Development Manager jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Dealer Development Manager job openings:
Dealer Development Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,921 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

District Sales Manager - Central Region

Kia America

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

At Kia, we're creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.

Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.
Status

Exempt 

General Summary

This role provides dealership consulting and support to improve the sales customer experience and Dealership profitability. The District Sales Manager is responsible for overseeing the successful retail performance of their Dealers, as well as achieving company wholesale objectives. The DSM will ensure Dealers are adhering to KUS sales and marketing policies, procedures, and operating standards. He/she is also responsible for supporting Dealer advertising and marketing to ensure adequate market share and penetration. The DSM supports the Dealers' sales personnel training and product knowledge in order to maximize sales and customer experience. The DSM will ensure its Dealers are portraying a consistent, high-quality image in the marketplace, properly utilizing, and displaying Kia Dealership identification, point-of-sale materials, and Kia vehicle inventory. The DSM is responsible for ensuring Dealerships are sufficiently capitalized and maintain adequate floorplan lines of credit to meet KUS's operating standards and are in compliance with all KUS policies. Dealership visits are an essential function of this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1st Priority - 35%

Achievement of Retail and Wholesale objectives (allocation of Kia vehicles) monthly and annually.

2nd Priority - 35%

Manages and directs all District Sales activities in accordance with KUS corporate standards and corporate/regional programs, as well as policies and procedures. Consults with dealers to develop and implement action plans that will improve profitability, performance, and sales satisfaction of customers. 

3rd Priority - 10%

Consult with dealers to ensure adequate market representation and market share.

4th Priority - 10%

Ensure dealers maintain adequate Kia presence and represent the brand appropriately in the marketplace, including effective showroom display, vehicle inventory, point-of-sale display, product, and customer experience training, online and instore advertising and marketing.

5th Priority - 10%

Recommend and consult with dealers to ensure corrective actions are taken when dealers fail to meet sales, financial, and customer experience targets.

Personally Performed Duties

  • Manage wholesale vehicle inventory to maintain balanced dealer stock levels based on market trends, industry forecasts, dealer sales performance, and current inventory.
  • Monitor dealer customer experience performance to ensure adherence to KUS standards, survey integrity, and incentive program compliance.
  • Analyze and evaluate dealership retail operations, including PDI and vehicle delivery processes, to ensure optimal vehicle condition and customer satisfaction.
  • Establish annual sales, financial, and customer experience plans with dealers; track and review performance results.
  • Review and support dealer participation in fleet sales programs; monitor related activities and results.
  • Address Customer Care issues tied to the sales/delivery process and assist dealers in resolving concerns promptly.
  • Conduct ongoing dealership sales training to ensure personnel maintain strong product and incentive program knowledge.
  • Monitor dealer training certification and competency to ensure quality customer service and product expertise.
  • Advise dealer principals on media spend, advertising plans, and market registration performance.
  • Develop and implement retail sales promotions based on market opportunities.
  • Support dealer development initiatives and review monthly dealership financial performance to ensure profitability and achievement of targets.
  • Ensure timely and accurate submission of dealership financial statements to KUS.
  • Ensure all dealerships meet KUS Facility and Identification Program Standards for consistent brand representation.
Qualifications/Education
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Job Requirement

Overall Related Experience:  

  • Minimum 2 years of OEM/Automotive retail and wholesale experience.
  • Business consulting experience.
  • Parts and Service experience helpful.

Directly Related Experience: 

  • Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and cost management.
  • Ability to develop a business case and deliver to dealership management teams.
  • Ability to lead district-level meetings and deliver meaningful communications.
  • Retail dealership experience is a plus.

Position Requirements:

  • Frequent travel is required domestically (and may be internationally)
  • Daily, weekly, and monthly dealer visits are required and an essential function of this   position.
  • Frequent travel may include but is not limited to monthly, quarterly, and/or annual visits to Regional Offices or Headquarters as required by the job.
  • May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Ability to relocate to a new location if requested by the company.
  • Must always have a valid Driver's License and maintain a responsible record that meets the criteria established by KUS at all times.
  • Required to drive a company vehicle while performing job duties.
     
Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required
  • Strong presentation and negotiation skills are a must
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organization skills are required and must be highly adaptable
  • Computer skills/aptitude in a Window-based environment
     

Competencies

  • Care for People
  • Chase Excellence Every Day
  • Dare to Push Boundaries
  • Empower People to Act
  • Move Further Together

Pay Range

$89,936.24 - $121,409.00

Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunities

KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices.  The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.

Disclaimer:  The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

About Kia America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Motor vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1994

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