[Hiring] Dealer Development Manager @Upgrade

Role Description

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 Upgrade Inc. and our dealership partners. The Dealer Development Manager is also responsible for staying up-to-date on local market conditions and industry trends. In this role, you will work with internal partners to find solutions that better serve our customers, and build long lasting relationships with key decision makers to drive growth and continuous improvement. This position requires residency in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.

What You’ll Do

• Dealer Relationship Management
  • Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing dealer partners
  • Act as a trusted advisor to dealership owners, GMs, and F&I managers
  • Conduct regular in-person dealership visits based on a structured drive schedule
  • Deliver consistent follow-up and service to ensure dealer satisfaction and loyalty
• Dealer Acquisition & Activation
  • Identify, onboard, and activate new dealer partners
  • Drive dealer sign-ups and first deals (“activation”)
  • Re-engage inactive dealers (e.g., no deals in 90 days) and return them to production
  • Execute onboarding training to ensure dealers understand programs and systems
• Production & Volume Growth
  • Achieve monthly funding and application volume goals
  • Increase contracts per active dealer and overall territory production
  • Focus on growing volume in Tier 3–5 segments while maintaining quality
  • Drive penetration targets (e.g., 3+ and 5+ deals per dealer per month)
• Credit & Deal Structuring
  • Partner closely with underwriting/credit teams to structure deals effectively
  • Educate dealers on program guidelines, stips, and deal packaging
  • Improve pull-through by coaching dealers on submitting clean, fundable deals
• Portfolio Performance & Quality
  • Monitor dealer portfolio performance (delinquency, charge-offs, profitability)
  • Manage dealer mix to align with company risk appetite and profitability goals
  • Shift focus toward preferred collateral and higher-performing dealers
  • Ensure adherence to compliance, credit policies, and documentation standards
• Training & Dealer Development
  • Conduct ongoing product and process training with dealership staff
  • Educate dealers on value-added products
  • Provide market insights and best practices to improve dealer success
  • Position the company as a relationship-driven partner vs. transactional lender
• Territory & Activity Management
  • Maintain a disciplined weekly drive schedule maximizing in-person dealer time
  • Track and manage activity through CRM (e.g., Salesforce)
  • Analyze territory performance and adjust strategy based on data
  • Participate in team calls, sales meetings, and performance reviews

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in indirect auto finance, auto sales, or related field
• Strong understanding of credit tiers, loan structuring, and dealership operations
• Proven ability to build relationships and drive sales growth
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated with strong time management and territory planning skills
• Ability to travel locally (significant field time required)

Benefits

• Competitive salary, uncapped commission and stock option plan
• Paid coverage of medical, dental and vision insurance
• Flexible PTO
• Competitive 401(k)
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Paid parental leave
• Health & wellness initiatives