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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

Our Dealer Account Managers are individuals with the vision and dedication to provide world-class ... You will manage and consult in all sales activities and account development for those dealers ...

Our Dealer Account Managers are individuals with the vision and dedication to provide world-class ... You will manage and consult in all sales activities and account development for those dealers ...

Dealer Audit Manager

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

The Dealer Audit Warranty Manager is responsible for leading and supervising dealer auditors and ... Negotiation and persuasion, strategy development, problem solving, along with autonomous decision ...

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Dealer Development Manager information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$46.5K

$87.9K

$136.7K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Rochester Hills, MI is $87,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $117,800.00 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 job categories do people searching Dealer Development Manager jobs in Rochester Hills, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Dealer Development Manager jobs in Rochester Hills, MI are:
What cities near Rochester Hills, MI are hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs? Cities near Rochester Hills, MI with the most Dealer Development Manager job openings:
Chevrolet Dealer Network Manager

Chevrolet Dealer Network Manager

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


General Motors rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description
The Chevrolet Dealer Network Manager is responsible for leading a dealer network organization that drives Chevrolet network strategy, dealer planning, network performance, and execution of complex dealer initiatives. This role owns a distinct business area, translates strategy into clear operational direction, and leads cross-functional execution to strengthen network health and deliver measurable business results.
This individual is expected to manage a team with diverse skill sets and similar overall objectives, typically leading individual contributors and potentially other people leaders. The role requires broad functional knowledge, independent judgment, and accountability for workforce planning, operating decisions, KPI delivery, dealer network outcomes, and change leadership.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead Chevrolet dealer network strategy and execution across network planning, dealer development, dealer candidate activity, and network performance management.
  • Develop and execute dealer network strategies that align with Chevrolet business priorities and GM strategic objectives.
  • Translate enterprise and functional strategies into clear team objectives, priorities, operating plans, and resource allocation decisions.
  • Lead complex dealer network activity including relocations, discontinuations, replacement planning, and other in-progress network projects.
  • Oversee dealer candidate pipelines, approval activity, and 20-group development to support future network strength and dealer readiness.
  • Use data, insights, and business acumen to identify risks, shape recommendations, and influence decisions on complex dealer network matters.
  • Drive large projects and initiatives with broad visibility and impact across multiple departments and stakeholders.
  • Coordinate cross-functionally with field, business operations, legal, finance, real estate, and brand partners to drive planning, execution, and business performance.
  • Lead change management efforts, introduce improved processes, and help the organization adapt to evolving business needs and network priorities.
  • Resolve competing demands, sensitive issues, and cross-functional conflicts while maintaining alignment and execution momentum.
  • Build strong relationships with leaders, peers, customers, and partner teams to influence outcomes, gain alignment, and move work forward.

What Success Looks Like:
  • Recognized as a strong functional leader with advanced knowledge and broad experience across the areas led.
  • Operates with broad latitude and independent judgment in a complex environment.
  • Sets objectives and delivers KPIs that measurably influence functional outcomes.
  • Drives strategy and implementation of large, cross-functional work with visibility beyond the immediate team.
  • Influences skeptical stakeholders and gains alignment on new ideas, practices, and approaches.
  • Demonstrates strong people leadership through talent development, workforce planning, and sustained team performance.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree or 8+ years of experience in the automotive industry in lieu of a degree.
  • 8+ years in sales or sales operations.
  • Significant experience in dealer network planning, sales support, business operations, dealer development, or a related commercial function.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional planning and execution across multiple stakeholders and operating groups.
  • Demonstrated strategic thinking and ability to convert business context and performance data into actionable plans.
  • Experience leading teams and developing talent in a multi-discipline environment.
  • Strong communication, influence, and presentation skills with the ability to work effectively across functions and levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, adapt to changing business needs, and lead through ambiguity.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Experience in Chevrolet or GM dealer network planning and execution.
  • Experience with dealer performance analysis, network project tracking, and dealer candidate development.
  • Experience partnering with field teams, business operations, and brand teams to execute network strategy.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
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We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908