Director of Software Development Jobs

Explore Director of Software Development opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more. These senior technology leaders guide software engineering teams, shape development strategy, and deliver reliable products and platforms aligned with business goals.

What Does a Director of Software Development Do?

Directors of Software Development oversee the people, processes, and technical plans behind software delivery. They partner with executives, product leaders, and engineering teams to set priorities, manage resources, improve development practices, and ensure projects meet requirements for quality, security, and performance. Depending on the organization, the role may include managing multiple teams, platforms, or product areas.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek a strong background in software engineering and experience leading engineering managers or large development teams. Valuable strengths include technical judgment, strategic planning, budgeting, talent development, cross-functional communication, and familiarity with modern development methods, cloud platforms, architecture, and software delivery practices. Requirements vary by company, industry, and scope of responsibility.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

Director-level software development roles are available across technology companies and in sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and professional services. The position can lead to broader technology leadership, including vice president of engineering, chief technology officer, or other executive roles. Browse current listings to compare responsibilities, industries, and compensation.

Find Director of Software Development Jobs on Ladders

Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Search Director of Software Development jobs to discover leadership positions that match your experience, preferred industry, and career goals.

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$180K - $233K *

Engineer AI-assisted workflows that streamline design-to-code processes, enhancing collaboration across teams. Drive innovation in a greenfield project, creating a cohesive pipeline between design, pr...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $197K *

Lead the charge in managing strategic client relationships and projects, leveraging your extensive cost management expertise in the data centre sector. Empower teams through mentorship while driving b...

Birmingham, ALRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$200K - $270K *

Lead the development and execution of GxP quality systems, ensuring compliance and oversight for clinical and CMC quality. Drive vendor qualification, audits, and training while fostering a culture of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$207K - $310K *

Empower the future of incentive compensation by leading a dynamic team to design and optimize compensation plans that align with strategic growth objectives, ensuring financial discipline and driving...

San Francisco, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$132K - $181K *

Drive the development of an innovative Excel plugin, integrating AI-driven market intelligence for financial professionals. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance and enhance user experience...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$132K - $181K *

Join a team that's redefining financial technology by integrating AI into Excel. You'll develop a powerful plugin that enhances decision-making for financial professionals, ensuring seamless performan...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $150K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team in transforming cloud and application security. Drive innovative AI-driven DevSecOps strategies while ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration acro...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform the future of business applications by leading strategy, delivery, and operations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance core processes and drive value through effective system...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $195K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of PCIe technology, enhancing high-speed communication between hardware components. Collaborate with engineers to optimize performance and reliability in cutting-ed...

Vancouver, BCRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$130K - $219K *

Drive the vision for Samsara device installations, enhancing user experiences and ensuring rapid, accurate setups. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the install process, making impac...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$143K - $286K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead engineering efforts in backend technologies and AI-native applications, driving innovation and operational excellence while mentoring top talent and fostering a culture...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $286K *

Drive platform-level execution of software and AI/ML systems, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Lead cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and champion DevOps practices to enhance inno...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$84K - $90K *

Optimize product development by collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to enhance embedded systems, design software components, and ensure robust operation while addressing technical challenges i...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of dental practice management by leading software development and strategy while optimizing user experiences and ensuring compliance as we expand into new markets, collaborating with...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $230K *

Lead complex, multi-workstream technology programs, ensuring alignment across teams and delivering customer outcomes through strategic planning, execution, and governance. Drive program success by man...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$236K - $300K *

Unlock potential by leading the evolution of our design system, transforming it into a dynamic foundation for AI-powered workflows. Collaborate across design and engineering to create seamless, high-q...

San Francisco, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$183K - $289K *

Lead design for an innovative AI-native Strategic Portfolio Management suite. Collaborate with product and engineering leaders to establish design vision and manage a growing team of designers while a...

Mountain View, CARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $117K *

Champion software quality by analyzing healthcare data, developing test cases, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with clinical...

Connecticut, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Unlock your potential as a Technical Project Manager, driving software delivery timelines and ensuring seamless project execution with engineering and product teams. Foster strong stakeholder relation...

Toronto, ONRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $219K *

Engage with customers to identify key challenges and drive product innovation. Collaborate across hardware, software, and AI teams to deliver impactful solutions that enhance physical operations and g...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the design and development of ServiceNow solutions to enhance portfolio management capabilities, aligning them with federal standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive effi...

Arlington, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$216K - $318K *

Champion the evolution of AI Platforms, leading a dynamic team to enhance AI integration and productivity. Drive strategic initiatives that empower engineers and elevate member experiences through inn...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive the planning and execution of complex therapeutic programs from discovery to clinic. Serve as a senior program management partner, ensuring successful execution and alignment across cross-functi...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$144K - $288K *

Lead the charge in transforming customer identity platforms, driving modernization and operational excellence while overseeing a multi-team engineering organization to enhance security and customer en...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $120K *

Pioneer innovative eDiscovery solutions by managing complex projects, collaborating with legal teams, and mentoring staff. Ensure quality deliverables while exceeding client expectations through exper...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Software Development do?question toggle

    A Director of Software Development leads software engineering teams and delivery, sets development priorities, allocates resources, and works with business and product leaders to deliver secure, reliable software.

  • What qualifications are commonly required for Director of Software Development jobs?question toggle

    Employers typically look for substantial software engineering experience, a record of leading teams, and strengths in strategy, communication, planning, and delivery. Specific technical and education requirements vary by employer.

  • How much do Director of Software Development jobs pay?question toggle

    Compensation varies based on factors such as employer, location, industry, and role scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; review each listing for its compensation details.

  • Where can a Director of Software Development work?question toggle

    These leaders work across technology companies and many other industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and professional services.

  • What roles can follow a Director of Software Development position?question toggle

    Potential next steps include vice president of engineering, senior technology leadership, or chief technology officer roles, depending on experience and organizational structure.