Business Development Center Manager in Chesapeake, Virginia at First Team Automotive Group

Join First Team Automotive Group and build a rewarding career with one of Hampton Roads' premier automotive organizations. Whether you're an experienced professional or looking to take the next step in your career, we provide the training, technology, and opportunities to help you succeed.

Position Summary

As the Business Development Center (BDC) Manager at First Team Automotive Group, you'll report to the Director of Variable Operations and lead our centralized Sales and Service Business Development Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. You'll oversee a team of approximately 20 employees supporting six dealerships, collaborate with sales and service leadership, and drive customer engagement, appointment performance, accountability, and continuous improvement. We're not looking for someone to simply manage a department. We're looking for a leader who inspires people, challenges conventional thinking, brings fresh ideas, and drives measurable results.

Why Work Here?

At First Team, we don't just offer jobs, we build careers. For more than 80 years, we've been one of Hampton Roads' premier automotive employers by investing in our people, modern facilities, cutting-edge technology, and promoting from within. We believe our employees are our greatest asset, and we're committed to providing the training, support, and opportunities needed to build a successful, long-term career.

Why Choose First Team?

• Family-owned organization
• Professional development and ongoing training
• Career advancement opportunities
• Stable leadership team
• Competitive benefits
• Employee purchase program
• Modern equipment and technology
• Positive team culture

• Lead a centralized BDC supporting sales and service operations across six dealerships
• Collaborate directly with dealership sales, service, and executive leadership
• Shape lead management, appointment-setting strategies, and customer experience
• Build a positive, energetic culture centered on coaching and accountability
• Develop, train, and inspire a team of approximately 20 BDC professionals
• Make a measurable impact with opportunities for professional growth

Compensation / Good Faith Pay Range

• Annual compensation range: $110,000–$150,000
• Commission and performance incentives paid under the dealership’s compensation plan
• Company Demonstrator Vehicle (Subject to Company Policy)
• Final compensation will depend on relevant experience, qualifications, and the approved compensation plan. Actual earnings will vary based on individual sales performance and other factors.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, develop, and inspire a centralized Sales and Service BDC team
• Set clear performance expectations, coach team members, and reinforce accountability
• Develop strategies to improve lead response, appointment-setting and show rates, and customer retention
• Collaborate with dealership sales and service managers to maximize customer opportunities
• Monitor key performance indicators, including appointments set and shown, customer experience, and vehicles sold; evaluate results and implement improvements
• Oversee daily workflows, staffing, scheduling, and customer follow-up processes
• Identify opportunities to improve technology utilization, efficiency, and customer experience
• Recruit, train, motivate, and support team members
• Conduct performance reviews and address coaching and staffing needs
• Maintain consistent processes and communication across the dealerships
• Bring new ideas and practical solutions to improve performance and team culture

What You’ll Bring

• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in a BDC, call center, or comparable customer-facing operation
• Automotive dealership BDC experience preferred, including sales and service appointment processes
• Demonstrated success coaching, developing, and motivating teams
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with dealership sales and service leadership
• Comfort with CRM systems, performance dashboards, and customer communication technology
• Experience with automotive CRM and dealership management systems preferred
• Analytical, results-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities
• Positive attitude, high energy, creativity, and commitment to teamwork
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen; commitment to professional conduct

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Company Demonstrator Vehicle (Subject to Company Policy)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Employee Life Insurance of $25,000
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) Plan
• Vehicle Purchase Program
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Training
• Advancement Opportunities

First Team Automotive Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.