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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sr Program Manager, Client Delivery
$155K - $180K *
Drive successful delivery of complex, multi-year programs in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage scope, budget, and timelines while ensuring client satisfaction an...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, DevEx
$162K - $290K *
Elevate your career by shaping the technical direction of our Developer Experience team. Collaborate on cutting-edge AI coding tools and scalable infrastructures that enhance productivity across the e...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$185K - $225K *
Launch innovative full-stack solutions, owning features from backend to UI. Collaborate with a remote team to enhance agent workflows and ensure secure, reliable experiences in a regulated financial e...
1 week ago
$174K - $273K *
Lead the charge in a high-impact Growth team, managing and mentoring engineers, optimizing delivery, and driving product strategy to enhance customer acquisition and engagement efficiently...
3 weeks ago
$131K - $222K *
Shape the future of logistics by developing intelligent planning platforms that optimize freight movement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable solutions that enhance supply chai...
4 days ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Innovate digital experiences by leading project execution across technology portfolios. Collaborate with business and tech leaders to drive priorities, enhance capabilities, and deliver exceptional me...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Developer Experience
$179K - $232K *
Deliver innovative solutions by optimizing developer infrastructures, enhancing integration of hybrid tools, and streamlining workflows for improved productivity across diverse engineering teams and p...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Execute complex, cross-functional initiatives while navigating ambiguity and redefining operational models. Your strategic insights and leadership will propel projects to success and enhance overall o...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in transforming employee onboarding processes through Workday, managing the entire project lifecycle from design to implementation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure al...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive software development excellence by leading teams, shaping technical direction, and aligning engineering practices with business goals to deliver impactful solutions and enhance user experiences...
2 days ago
Director Software Engineering - Central Security
$180K - $220K *
Drive the development of innovative security systems using AI/ML, managing risk across identity and access management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security while maintaining ope...
Yesterday
Director and Practice Lead, Data Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Drive the vision for a high-impact Data Engineering Practice, leading strategy, P&L, talent, and client engagement to transform enterprise data into strategic assets and AI-ready infrastructure...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Training Development
$160K - $175K *
Unlock your potential as a leader in training development, overseeing curriculum design and delivery. Drive continuous improvement and ensure high-quality training programs that align with operational...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Software Engineering - AI Tools
$120K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI engineering by leading a dynamic group of engineers and Technical Leads. Drive workforce strategy, enhance team capabilities, and ensure sustainable deliver...
1 week ago
$120K - $170K *
Engage as a Technical Lead to design, modernize, and enhance federal software systems. Drive engineering excellence across the SDLC, mentor teams, and deliver secure, scalable applications in mission...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Business Operations - Products & Platforms
$160K - $195K *
Drive operational excellence and lead a high-performing team to deliver complex digital products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define strategies, manage resources, and ensure profitable...
1 week ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Geometric Modeling/CAD
$120K - $150K *
Shape the future of geometric modeling by developing innovative algorithmic solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior developers, and focus on delivering quality code while enh...
4 weeks ago
$140K - $180K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing scalable software solutions, designing responsive UIs, and optimizing backend services. Collaborate across functions to drive innovation and champion best pr...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join the Platform Engineering Team to design and implement innovative solutions across infrastructure, data, and security platforms, leveraging modern technologies to enhance efficiency and security i...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Shape the future of creative leadership by setting visionary strategies, driving distinctive brand expressions, and empowering a talented team to deliver integrated, high-impact marketing campaigns th...
Reposted 6 days ago
Software Engineer - Data Platform
$113K - $191K *
Innovate by designing and operating scalable data infrastructure for petabytes of data, enabling customer-facing features and analytics across global industries, while enhancing systems for reliabilit...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer, Core Engine
$179K - $341K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance C#/.NET integration for Unity Engine, driving performance and reliability. Collaborate with experts to deliver key technical solutions and advocate best practices for de...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate robust SaaS platforms by collaborating with cross-functional teams, building and enhancing features, and delivering customer-centric solutions throughout the development lifecycle...
Reposted 1 week ago
$190K *
Transform the future of public safety as a Director of Product Management, leading a high-performing team to define and deliver innovative SaaS products. Collaborate across departments to drive produc...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence, overseeing a team of 60 while driving AI initiatives and enhancing operational strategies. Collaborate with product leadership to elevate engineering practic...
1 week ago
What does a Director of Software Development do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Potential next steps include vice president of engineering, senior technology leadership, or chief technology officer roles, depending on experience and organizational structure.