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Dealer Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate is professional, self-motivated, organized, comfortable engaging with business owners, and interested in building a career within sales, dealer development, account management, or ...

Regional Sales Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135.50K - $189.80K/yr

... dealer development, business management, and sales-related customer satisfaction) in accordance with corporate and regional objectives. Activities involve coordinated effort with Regional Department ...

Regional Sales Manager

Irvine, CA

$135.50K - $195.49K/yr

... dealer development, business management, and sales-related customer satisfaction) in accordance with corporate and regional objectives. Activities involve coordinated effort with Regional Department ...

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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 May 31, 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 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 33% Physical, and 67% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $95,448 per year, or $45.9 per hour.
Dealer Placement Manager - South East Business Center

Dealer Placement Manager - South East Business Center

Stellantis

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Stellantis rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 123 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

The Dealer Placement Manager responsibilities will analyze regional dealer development opportunities and implement effective strategies that ensure proper brand representation in identified markets. In this role, the Dealer Placement Manager is also responsible for dealer development activities including increasing dealer sales performance, profitability, customer satisfaction, and retail registration effectiveness.
Job responsibilities include but not limited to:
  • Proactively working with the dealer operators to develop their business, improving their sales performance and their customer experience processes
  • Implementation of new franchise agreements and ensuring all required documents are complete and accurate
  • Implementation of dealer performance upgrades through facility expansions, relocations, renovations and consultation
  • Counsel with new vehicle dealerships to adopt and maintain a prototypical facility design
  • Present and counsel new vehicle dealers on performance metrics such as profitability, sales and customer experience metrics
  • Prospect dealer candidates in specified markets as needed
  • Serve as the subject matter expert on all things pertaining to Customer Experience and actively consult with dealers to improve their CX processes

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 5+ years of in Dealership experience (OEM or Dealer)
  • Strong negotiation skills with clear examples
  • Proficiency in Microsoft suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
  • Must have attention to detail
  • Must be able to travel 50-75%

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MBA

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