National Dealer Development Manager

Department: Dealer Development / Channel Operations
Reports To: Director of Sales Ops & Channel Development

Location: [Headquarters or Regional Office]

Job Type: Full-time | Exempt

Position Summary

The National Dealer Development Manager is responsible for the operational performance, support, and development of the company’s dealer network. This individual acts as a strategic and tactical partner to internal teams and external dealers, ensuring consistency in dealer onboarding, operations, systems use, and overall network efficiency. The role plays a central part in driving dealer readiness, performance, and customer satisfaction in a seasonal and highly competitive market environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Dealer Operations & Support

• Act as the central point of contact for all dealer and commercial operational matters including processes, tools, systems, and program compliance.

• Manage the full dealer lifecycle—from onboarding and training to contract renewals, succession planning, and exit transitions.

• Ensure dealers and commercial partners are equipped with the necessary resources, tools, and support to meet sales, service, and customer experience standards.

2. Performance Management & Network Optimization

• Monitor key dealer performance indicators (e.g., sales volume, service response time, parts availability, CSI, warranty KPIs). 

• Analyze regional and seasonal trends to identify high-potential and underperforming dealers. 

• Partner with Channel Managers to implement performance improvement plans for dealers.

3. Dealer Enablement & System Utilization

• Support the adoption and effective use of digital dealer systems (DMS, CRM, warranty portals, inventory tools). 

• Identify system and process gaps affecting dealer performance and lead resolution initiatives in collaboration with IT and Sales Ops. 

• Provide hands-on operational training to new and existing dealers, including process walkthroughs, reporting tools, and best practices.

4. Network Growth & Development

• Support network expansion by identifying white space opportunities and assisting in vetting new dealer candidates. 

• Assist in territory planning, dealer assignments, and channel realignment efforts aligned with business growth goals. 

• Conduct due diligence on potential new dealers / commercial partners and participate in the onboarding of newly signed partners.

5. Communication, Training & Engagement 

• Maintain clear and consistent communication with the dealer network regarding operational updates, programs, systems changes, and deadlines. 

• Collaborate Channel and training teams to deploy dealer-facing education programs on sales processes, service standards, and product launches.

• Plan and facilitate online network training with a focus on operational excellence.

Qualifications Education 

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Operations, Agricultural Business, or a related field. 

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree is a plus.

Experience 

• 5–8 years of experience in dealer operations, network development, or sales/channel management within agriculture, powersports, heavy equipment, or automotive industries. 

• Familiarity with seasonal demand cycles, rural dealer operations, and technical product/service delivery is highly preferred

Skills & Competencies 

• Deep understanding of dealer business models in ag and powersports (retail, service, aftermarket, and rental operations). 

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with experience in dashboards and reporting (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Excel). 

• Proficiency with CRM systems, dealer portals, and ERPs relevant to dealer networks. 

• Excellent project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to present operational content to dealers and executives alike. 

• Willingness to travel up to 25–30%, including visits to dealer locations, regional events, and trade shows.

Success Metrics 

• Dealer onboarding cycle time • Dealer satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS) 

• Dealer compliance with operational standards and training completion 

• Improvement in dealer performance KPIs year-over-year 

• System/tool adoption rates across the network