Job Summary   

This is a field-based position and target candidates must reside within a 50-mile radius of a major metropolitan airport.

The Dealer Development Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth by calling on assigned Dealer accounts to re-establish FordDirect’s value proposition and close new business opportunities. 

This role will have a national book of assigned Dealers and be required to travel extensively.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing Dealer accounts from initial engagement and broad knowledge of the full scope of dealership operations (New/Used Sales, Service and Parts, Dealership workflows)

If you thrive in generating new business and exceeding sales targets, we want to hear from you.

Essential Functions

1. Proactively engage targeted Dealers using market/performance data and tailored outreach.
2. Proactively lead efforts to leverage Dealer data to identify barriers to FordDirect engagement, product adoption and purchase.
3. Craft compelling introductory call plans and approaches to secure meetings with key decision makers.
4. Assess and analyze Dealer digital market strategies, tactics, and performance in preparation for dealer consultation.
5. Build and execute sales plans that include value propositions, product performance goals and follow-up actions.
6. Provide post-sales support and build strong relationships with Dealers and FMC Team members to reach Dealer SAT goals.
7. Provide coaching to dealership team members to improve performance and utilization of FordDirect’s products and services.
8. Capture Dealer feedback and recommend product and process enhancements to internal teams.
9. Work with internal teams to help execute FordDirect product launches and/or initiatives, collaborating with vendors as needed.
10. Track progress in CRM with clear documentation of outcomes, objections, and next steps.
11. Meet monthly KPIs including revenue goals and product utilization growth.
12. Obtain knowledge and insight of product, industry market conditions, and competitors.

% Travel Required (Approximate): Extensive

Qualifications  At FordDirect, we believe in diversity as a strength. You're encouraged to apply even if your experience or background doesn't precisely match the job description.  Candidates who do not meet all listed qualifications may be considered based on the combination of relevant work experience and depth of expertise in job-related skills.

Experience

• Digital marketing (3+ years).
• Interfacing with automotive retail team members (3+ years).
• Solution selling experience virtually and in-person to automotive dealers.
• CRM experience tracking and reporting customer interactions (3 years).

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Background with Salesforce CRM.
• Deep understanding of Dealership digital metrics and how to translate them into value.
• Successful track record in building new relationships, securing appointments, and using persuasive, data driven selling techniques.
• Strong listening skills and objection handling to overcome Dealers pain points.
• Proactively problem-solve and multitask while maintaining composure and attention to detail.
• Follow-through mindset to uphold a ‘close the loop’ culture.
• A positive approach to serving customers and providing exceptional customer service.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment, high ethics, and project a professional image.
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
• The drive to identify and seize opportunities for continuous improvement as business needs change.
• Excellent organization, flexibility and time management skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and business communication skills (written, verbal, listening).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or the equivalent of work experience and education

Benefits and Pay: Target Base Salary is $85K. Commission at target performance is $60k. Motus is not available for this role.  Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and ancillary benefits like pet insurance and legal services, and Summer ½ Days on Fridays. We offer 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match; a myriad of rewards and recognition programs; generous holidays and paid time off, including paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day and paid time off to volunteer and serve your community. Employees are also able to participate in our Diversity & Inclusion council and Women of FordDirect resource groups and a variety of teambuilding and employee events.