Dealer Development Manager - APD - Specialty

The Dealer Development Manager at APD - Specialty plays a crucial role in enhancing F&I performance for RV, Marine, and Power Sports dealers. Key responsibilities include in-store and virtual training and coaching for dealership personnel, supporting Regional Sales Directors (RSDs) in building sales, and addressing underperforming dealerships. You will also be involved in attending industry events to stay updated and to effectively communicate training results to both internal teams and external partners.

While a bachelor’s degree is preferred, it's not mandatory for the Dealer Development Manager role at APD - Specialty. The essential qualifications include over 5 years of experience in F&I, significant training experience, and familiarity with the Specialty industries. Proven sales results are crucial, along with knowledge of technology platforms used in dealerships, including DMS and CRM systems.

The Dealer Development Manager at APD - Specialty directly contributes to sales growth by performing targeted training, helping to enhance the skills of dealership personnel. By coaching RSDs and addressing challenges faced by underperforming dealerships, this role provides essential support that results in increased sales of Protective products. Your expertise will help to strengthen relationships with dealerships and improve overall sales performance.

In the Dealer Development Manager role at APD - Specialty, you should be prepared to travel up to 75% of the time throughout the United States. This travel includes attending new account launches, industry trade shows, and dealership events, offering a fantastic opportunity to connect with various clients and stay current with industry trends.

Success as a Dealer Development Manager at APD - Specialty relies on a mix of communication skills, organizational abilities, and sales expertise. Strong verbal and written communication are essential for effective training and presentations. You’ll need to juggle multiple tasks while maintaining a focus on continuous improvement and learning, making adaptability and teamwork crucial skills for this position.

When discussing your experience in F&I, focus on specific roles where you enhanced financial performance or implemented successful training programs. Mention any achievements that showcase your skills such as increased sales results, effective training techniques, or enhancements in dealership processes.

To train dealership personnel effectively, emphasize the importance of a tailored approach. Discuss how you would assess current skills, create engaging training modules, and utilize virtual platforms to ensure accessibility. Include how you would measure success through performance metrics.

Addressing underperforming dealerships requires a strategic approach. Share a specific instance where you diagnosed the issue, engaged with dealership staff, and implemented a solution that ultimately led to improved performance. Highlight your communication skills and adaptability.

Discuss recent trends such as shifts in consumer behavior, advances in technology, and evolving F&I products. Demonstrating your knowledge of industry trends will show your commitment to staying informed. Be prepared to offer insights on how these trends can impact dealership strategies.

Share your methods for prioritizing tasks, such as using organizational tools or assessment of impact and urgency. Provide examples of how you successfully managed multiple responsibilities in previous roles, ensuring that you meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality training and support.

Provide a scenario where you reached or exceeded a sales goal. Focus on your strategic planning, the steps you took to achieve this goal, how you collaborated with teams, and the results. This showcases your sales experience, which is integral to the Dealer Development Manager role.

Highlight your commitment to personal and professional growth by discussing courses taken, workshops attended, or certifications earned specifically relevant to F&I. Reflect on how these experiences enhanced your skills and how you would bring this growth to the role at APD - Specialty.

Discuss the critical importance of effective communication in your training. Mention various communication styles tailored for different audiences, the importance of feedback, and how you engage participants to ensure understanding and retention of material.

Recall an instance when your guidance led to improved team performance. Discuss the strategies you employed and the measurable outcomes. This demonstrates your influence and leadership skills, which are crucial for the Dealer Development Manager position.

Share your insights on challenges such as compliance issues, evolving consumer expectations, or technology integration. Offer your perspective on how to overcome these challenges, emphasizing your readiness to adapt and innovate in your approach.