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Dealer Development Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rock Hill, SC 29730 Position Summary The Dealer Development Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, growth, and performance of HC Forklift America's authorized dealer network across the ...

The Dealer Development Manager is responsible for developing and executing dealer education, communication, and training initiatives that drive engagement, operational excellence, and utilization of ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 11, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Dealer Development Manager jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Dealer Development Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,448 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

Dealer Development Manager

Rock Hill, SC β€’ On-site

HC Forklift America Corp
Machinery ManufacturingΒ β€’Β 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Dealer Development Manager
Department: Sales amp; Marketing
Reports To: Vice President of Sales amp; Marketing
Job Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Salaried Exempt
Location: Rock Hill, SC 29730
Position Summary
The Dealer Development Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, growth, and performance of HC Forklift America’s authorized dealer network across the United States. This role focuses on expanding market share and strengthening dealer partnerships within the industrial lift truck industries. The position will drive dealer expansion, revenue growth, aftermarket development, and customer support initiatives across forklifts, telehandlers, warehouse equipment, lift trucks, attachments, and related industrial solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in dealer development, industrial lift equipment distribution, and U.S. market expansion within the industry.
Key Responsibilities
Dealer Network Development
  • Develop and execute national dealer growth strategies aligned with company objectives.
  • Identify, recruit, onboard, and support new dealer partners across key U.S. markets.
  • Expand dealer coverage in industrial lift truck sectors.
Dealer Performance Management
  • Establish dealer KPIs including equipment sales, parts revenue, service performance, and customer satisfaction.
  • Conduct dealer business reviews and implement growth or corrective action plans.
  • Monitor dealer profitability, operational standards, and territory performance.
Dealer Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary executive liaison for dealer partners nationwide.
  • Build strong relationships with dealer principals, general managers, and sales leadership teams.
  • Support dealer growth across equipment sales, rental operations, aftermarket parts, and service development.
Sales amp; Market Growth
  • Support national and regional sales growth across industrial lift truck markets.
  • Provide dealers with pricing guidance, sales tools, training, and competitive market intelligence.
  • Drive adoption of new products, programs, and equipment launches throughout the dealer network.
Dealer Training amp; Support
  • Lead dealer onboarding and certification initiatives.
  • Implement training programs for dealer sales, parts, and service teams.
  • Ensure dealers represent HC Forklift America products, brand standards, and service expectations effectively.
Market Development amp; Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and growth opportunities across the U.S. market.
  • Partner with Sales, Service, Parts, Operations, Marketing, and Product teams to align dealer strategy with company goals.
  • Support product improvement initiatives through dealer and customer feedback.
Dealer Agreements amp; Compliance
  • Negotiate dealer agreements, territory structures, and performance expectations.
  • Ensure compliance with company operational standards, safety requirements, and brand guidelines.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field preferred (MBA preferred).
  • 5–8+ years of experience in dealer development, channel management, distribution leadership, or sales leadership within, material handling, forklift/industrial lift equipment industries
  • Strong knowledge of the U.S. industrial, material handling, agriculture, and construction equipment markets.
  • Proven success building, expanding, and managing dealer/distributor networks across the United States.
  • Experience driving dealer performance, market expansion, and revenue growth.
  • Strong executive presence, negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
  • Ability to travel extensively across the U.S. as required.
Core Competencies
  • Dealer Network Development
  • Revenue Growth amp; Market Expansion
  • Executive Relationship Management
  • Strategic Planning amp; Execution
  • Industrial Lift Truck Industry Knowledge
  • Dealer Performance Management
Compensation amp; Benefits
  • Salary Range: (Open to potential increase based on experience and qualifications)
  • Benefits Include:
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
    • 401(k) with company match
    • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Additional Information
This job description reflects the current expectations for the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be modified or reassigned at any time to meet the evolving needs of the organization.