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Dealer Principal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Financial Officer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

The CFO will serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Dealer Principal, providing executive-level financial oversight and acting as the organization's financial "eyes and ears." This is an ideal ...

Chief Financial Officer

Derwood, MD · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

The CFO will serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Dealer Principal, providing executive-level financial oversight and acting as the organization's financial "eyes and ears." This is an ideal ...

Chief Financial Officer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

The CFO will serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Dealer Principal, providing executive-level financial oversight and acting as the organization's financial "eyes and ears." This is an ideal ...

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Folsom, CA · On-site

$47K - $62K/yr

Dealer Principal & General Manager Location: On-site, 12610 Auto Mall Circle, Folsom, CA 95630 Type: Part-time or Full-time (flexible scheduling available for students) About the Role Folsom Lake ...

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Automotive Controller

Toledo, OH · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Controller hired will work closely with the Dealer Principal and will be entrusted with maintaining the financial integrity of the operation. This position reports directly to the Dealer ...

Dealer Principal / Executive Leadership About Janssen Auto Group Janssen Auto Group is a growing, multi-rooftop automotive organization operating 8 dealerships across Nebraska , with locations in ...

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Dealer Principal information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do dealer principal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer principal in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dealer principal?

A Dealer Principal is the owner or top executive responsible for the overall management and success of a car dealership. They oversee all operations, including sales, service, finance, and staff management, ensuring the dealership meets its financial and customer service goals. Dealer Principals also represent the dealership in relationships with manufacturers and regulatory bodies, and they are accountable for maintaining compliance with industry standards and laws. Their leadership plays a crucial role in setting the dealership's culture and long-term strategy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dealer principal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dealer Principal, you need strong business acumen, leadership abilities, and in-depth knowledge of automotive sales and operations, often supported by a degree in business or automotive management. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), CRM software, and manufacturer certification programs is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to motivate teams set top performers apart. These skills enable effective dealership operations, high customer satisfaction, and profitable business growth in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges dealer principals face when managing a dealership, and how can they address them?

Dealer Principals often encounter challenges such as maintaining profitability, adapting to market changes, and motivating a diverse team. Balancing operational efficiency with excellent customer service is key, as is staying updated on evolving automotive technologies and regulations. Successful Dealer Principals frequently address these challenges by fostering strong communication across departments, investing in staff training, and analyzing performance metrics to guide decision-making. Building a positive dealership culture and maintaining strong manufacturer relationships also play a crucial role in overcoming obstacles.

What is the difference between Dealer Principal vs Sales Manager?

AspectDealer PrincipalSales Manager
CredentialsBusiness management experience, automotive industry knowledgeSales experience, often with certifications in sales or customer relations
Work EnvironmentOversees entire dealership operationsFocuses on managing sales teams and customer interactions
Industry UsageCommonly used in automotive dealershipsUsed across various sales-driven industries, including automotive

The Dealer Principal is responsible for the overall dealership management, including finance, operations, and strategic planning. In contrast, the Sales Manager primarily focuses on leading the sales team and achieving sales targets. While both roles require automotive industry knowledge and leadership skills, the Dealer Principal has broader responsibilities overseeing the entire dealership.

How much does a dealer principal make?

A dealer principal typically earns between $100,000 and $250,000 annually, depending on the size of the dealership, location, and experience. Compensation often includes a base salary plus bonuses or profit sharing based on dealership performance.
More about Dealer Principal jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Dealer Principal jobs?

The most popular types of Dealer Principal jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Dealer Principal jobs?

The top employers for Dealer Principal jobs are:

What states have the most Dealer Principal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dealer Principal jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Dealer Principal jobs?

For Dealer Principal jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Dealer Principal job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Dealer Performance & Growth Executive

Arlington, TX

$180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Own a portfolio of dealer relationships and develop new business throughout the market.

  • Conduct regular dealer visits, coaching, and performance development to grow existing accounts.

  • Build deep relationships with dealership personnel and assist in improving F&I processes, product strategies, and overall performance.


Job description

Built on meritocracy, our unique company culture rewards self-starters and those who are committed to doing what is best for our customers.

As a Dealer Performance & Growth Executive, you'll own a portfolio of dealer relationships while developing new business throughout your market. You'll work directly with Dealer Principals, General Managers and F&I leadership to improve performance, strengthen relationships, and identify opportunities for profitable growth.

What You'll Do

  • Grow existing accountsthrough regular dealer visits, coaching, and performance development.
  • Conduct monthly, quarterly, and annual F&I business reviews, identifying opportunities in production, penetration, and profitability.
  • Build deep relationships throughout each dealership-from ownership and management to the people executing the process every day.
  • Coach and develop F&I and sales teams through observation, training, and measurable action plans.
  • Help dealers improve F&I processes, compensation plans, product strategies, and overall performance.
  • Launch new-accounts and ensure successful implementation, training, and sales of products
  • Prospect and acquire new dealer relationshipsthrough referrals, networking, and disciplined territory development.
  • Maintain a healthy pipeline and deliver measurable territory growth.

Who We're Looking For

Aproven automotive professional-F&I Manager, F&I Director, GSM, Dealer Development Manager, Account Executive or successful F&I agent-with the credibility to walk into a dealership, understand the business and make it better.

Must be comfortable coaching an F&I Manager, discussing profitability with a Dealer Principal, and walking into a prospective dealership to create a new relationship.

Ability to operate independently, think like an entrepreneur, and understand that protecting and growing existing business and acquiring new business are equally important to long-term success.

The Opportunity

Year 1 OTE: $180,000+ with unlimited upside.

Your territory is your business. Grow your accounts. Develop your people. Win new relationships. Build something valuable-and be rewarded for the results.

Success isn't measured by how many dealerships you visit.

It's measured by what happens because you visited them.

Teammate Benefits & Total Well-Being

We go beyond standard benefits, focusing on the total well-being of our teammates, including:

  • Health Benefits: Medical/Rx, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance
  • Financial Benefits: ESPP; 401k; Student Loan Assistance; Tuition Reimbursement
  • Mental Health & Wellness: Free Mental Health &Enhanced Advocacy Services
  • Beyond Benefits: Paid Time Off, Holidays, Preferred Partner Discounts and more.

Not reflective of all benefits. Enrollment waiting periods or eligibility criteria may apply to certain benefits. Benefit details and offerings may vary for subsidiary entities or in specific geographic locations.


Recruiting Vendor Disclosure Statement

Brown & Brown does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters, recruitment vendors or employment agencies ("Recruiting Vendors"). Recruiting Vendors must have a valid written agreement and received prior written authorization from an authorized Brown & Brown representative before submitting candidates for any publicly posted role. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to Brown & Brown or its employees become the property of Brown & Brown, and no fees will be paid for such submissions. Additional information regarding this policy can be found on our careers page.

The Power To Be Yourself

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment comprised of people from all backgrounds, with a variety of experiences and perspectives, guided by our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) motto, "The Power to Be Yourself".