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Dealer Development Manager Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

The Business Development Manager helps grow the business by responding to business leads and developing relationships to promote sales for the dealership. They may be technically savvy as well to ...

The Business Development Manager helps grow the business by responding to business leads and developing relationships to promote sales for the dealership. They may be technically savvy as well to ...

Area Field Manager

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$6.0K - $6.3K/mo

... dealer. U-Haul Offers: * Full medical coverage, if eligible * Prescription plans, if eligible ... Free online courses for personal and professional development at U-Haul University ® * Business ...

... dealer. U-Haul Offers: * Full medical coverage, if eligible * Prescription plans, if eligible ... Free online courses for personal and professional development at U-Haul University * Business ...

Maintains a calm, tactful demeanor when dealing with difficult situations * Manages multiple ... Training covers not just the scope of the restaurant's operations but also personal development

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Dealer Development Manager information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$55.2K

$104.4K

$162.4K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in Santa Rosa, CA is $104,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,800.00 and $139,900.00 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 job categories do people searching Dealer Development Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Dealer Development Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Dealer Development Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,356 per year, or $50.2 per hour.
BDC Manager

$5.9K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Business Development Manager Company Description   Victory Automotive Group is family owned and operated since 1997 with over 50 locations across the United States. We provide the best opportunities for all employees, customers, communities and each manufacturer we represent. Our continued commitment is to improve our dealerships and services to satisfy our customer’s wants and needs 100 percent of the time and always provide a pleasant, informative and professional experience.  Victory Automotive Group is always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team. If you think you are ready to be a part of an exciting team, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application!  Victory Automotive Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.    Job Description  We are currently seeking an experienced, motivated and energetic professional to manage our BDC Department. 
The Business Development Manager helps grow the business by responding to business leads and developing relationships to promote sales for the dealership.  They may be technically savvy as well to help communicate in a clear and efficient way with consumers using their preferred method of communication.    
This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of the department including handling internet leads, inbound phone calls and customer retention. In addition, the BDC Manager hires, trains, and monitors the team which handles most follow-up, all internet leads and inbound calls and lead generation.  The ideal candidate has experience in a large-volume dealership, and some supervisory or management experience. They must have strong sales aptitude, excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  This job description summary outlines core aspects of this position, but additional duties may be required on a routine basis. This job description does not constitute the complete responsibilities for this position.    Responsibilities  Develops viable sales forecasts and associated sales strategies Hires, trains, and monitors team member performance Helps promote the dealership online via Social Media outlets Assists sales staff to manage deals from start to finish Respond to new leads and communicate effectively with customers within established time frames Provides timely and accurate reports on all sales activities as needed Perform customer follow-up to unsold customers to maximize all selling opportunities Maintain a sold customer follow-up system to encourage repeat and referral business Performs other duties as assigned
Job Requirements:
Requirements  High School diploma or GED Automotive BDC management experience Automotive BDC/Internet management experience Experience in supervising and managing staff Strong computer/internet skills Basic knowledge of CRM system, lead providers and website backend tools preferred Strong leadership and motivational skills Highly professional and dependable Compensation  Competitive Pay Based on Experience  Medical Benefits  Paid Vacation  Holidays  Professional Workplace  Non-Smoking Workplace  Drug Free Workplace  Opportunity for Advancement  Direct Deposit  401(k) with Company Match  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. We reserve the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.  We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug free workplace.  It’s time to make the most important move of your career!  Apply Now!