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Dealer Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spec, Dealer Development

Plymouth, MN · Hybrid

$60K - $79K/yr

Through project management, policy administration, reporting, and dealer performance monitoring, you will help drive operational consistency and support business objectives across the dealer network.

Spec, Dealer Development

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$60K - $79K/yr

Through project management, policy administration, reporting, and dealer performance monitoring, you will help drive operational consistency and support business objectives across the dealer network.

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Dealer Development Manager information

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$50.5K

$95.4K

$148.5K

How much do dealer development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer development manager in the United States is $95,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $128,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Dealer Development Manager job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Dealer Development Manager jobs?

The top employers for Dealer Development Manager jobs are:

What states have the most Dealer Development Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dealer Development Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,448 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Dealer Development Manager (Greater Pennsylvania)

Upgrade

Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Upgrade helps customers move in the right direction with affordable and responsible financial products. Since 2017, we've helped over 7.5 million customers access over $42 billion in consumer credit. With a relentless focus on improving our customers' financial well-being, we build products that put more money in their pocket and support their journey toward a better financial future. We're backed by some of the most prominent technology investors and were most recently valued at $7.3B.
We're consistently recognized for our collaborative and inclusive culture. Most recently, we were named one of the World's Top Fintech Companies by CNBC, Best Places to Work by Built In, Best Places to Work by the San Francisco Business Times, America's Greatest Workplaces by Newsweek, Best Startup Employer by Forbes, and Healthiest Employers by Phoenix Business Journal.
We're looking for new team members who get excited about designing and delivering new and better products. Come join us and help build a better financial future for millions of people.
About the Role:
The Dealer Development Manager will represent Upgrade Inc (Auto Finance Division) and promote our indirect lending programs. They will develop, maintain, and grow business partnerships between Upgrade Inc. and our dealership partners. The Dealer Development Manager is also responsible for staying up-to-date on local market conditions and industry trends. In this role, you will work with internal partners to find solutions that better serve our customers, and build long lasting relationships with key decision makers to drive growth and continuous improvement.
This position requires residency in the Greater Philadelphia market also servicing Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Berks, Lehigh, Dauphin and York counties.
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, stips, 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 vs. 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 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, uncapped commission and stock option plan
  • 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

Environmental & Working Conditions
  • Work is performed indoors in a fast-paced environment that requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established workflows, schedules, and service expectations.
  • Employees regularly input, retrieve, and exchange information accurately using digital systems and applications to support operational and customer service objectives.
  • The role requires the ability to receive and exchange information with customers, peers, supervisors, and cross-functional partners through available communication channels, which may include meetings, email, phone, and digital collaboration tools, and may involve real-time, verbal, or in-person exchanges depending on business need.
  • Job duties may involve managing a high volume of inbound and/or outbound customer interactions and work activities using telecommunications and computer systems. The role requires the ability to read, analyze, and interpret information displayed on computer screens and remain in a working posture for extended periods, consistent with the demands of the position.
  • Work may be performed in a contact center, office, or remote environment, depending on business needs and the nature of the role. Onsite work environments may include shared workspaces, standard office lighting, and moderate background noise typical of customer service or operational settings.
  • Employees working remotely are responsible for maintaining a secure and productive workspace with reliable internet connectivity that supports company systems and safeguards the confidentiality of company and customer information.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.
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.
Upgrade does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, search firms, or any third parties. Any resume submitted to any employee of Upgrade without a prior written agreement in place will be considered the property of Upgrade, and Upgrade will not be obligated to pay any referral or placement fee. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Upgrade's Talent Acquisition department to submit resumes and only in conjunction with a valid, fully executed agreement. English is required for all positions, as it involves interacting with staff at Upgrade's offices worldwide.