Dealer Development Manager (San Antonio)

Summary

Upgrade, Inc. is a financial technology company that provides affordable and responsible financial products to help customers improve their financial well-being. The Dealer Development Manager will represent the Auto Finance Division, develop and grow dealership partnerships, promote indirect lending programs, and drive territory production while maintaining portfolio quality and compliance.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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)
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Skills

• This position requires residency in the Greater San Antonio Area
• 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)
• English is required for all positions, as it involves interacting with staff at Upgrade's offices worldwide

Qualifications

Must Haves

• This position requires residency in the Greater San Antonio Area
• 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)
• English is required for all positions, as it involves interacting with staff at Upgrade's offices worldwide

Benefits

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