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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$193K - $319K *

Lead the charge in developing an AI-driven silicon design platform, overseeing software development from infrastructure to advanced machine learning applications. Collaborate with cross-functional tea...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$108K - $130K *

Lead the technical delivery and growth of a software development team focused on creating high-performance marketing websites and digital experiences while collaborating across multiple departments to...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$160K - $190K *

Drive team success by leading software engineering efforts, enhancing Agile practices, and fostering technical innovation. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to ensure alignment and prioritize...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion the evolution of a dynamic PMO, driving strategic growth and operational excellence. Lead transformation initiatives, enhance delivery practices, and foster cross-functional collaboration to...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$186K - $233K *

Join a team that's redefining the automotive shopping experience. Lead engineers in building innovative consumer applications, driving technical direction, and fostering collaboration across disciplin...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$176K - $235K *

Shape the future of data engineering by leading our unified Data & AI function. Drive the architecture, governance, and operational excellence needed to support AI and ML products, while building a hi...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of healthcare technology by leading a talented software team to build scalable APIs and enhance critical infrastructure, ensuring high-quality deliverables that impact millions of pat...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$190K - $215K *

Transform cloud-based engineering strategies as you lead teams in creating innovative AI-powered automation solutions, ensuring quality and scalability while promoting a dynamic and collaborative cult...

Lehi, UTRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing technical delivery for digital marketing, overseeing developer teams to optimize email, SMS, and automated marketing systems, ensuring quality execution while nurturing a c...

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$135K - $160K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic engineering team to enhance our cloud SaaS platform. Drive technical direction, foster team growth, and ensure security and reliability while delivering exce...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$300K - $390K *

Shape the future of test automation by architecting a cutting-edge platform and guiding a skilled team. Drive quality engineering initiatives and strategic decisions to enhance CI/CD processes for AI...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Empower teams to innovate and deliver enterprise software solutions. Lead cross-functional engineering efforts, champion AI integration, and enhance software practices to align technology with busines...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $190K *

Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $197K *

Elevate AI development by leading a high-performing team to build robust infrastructure for model serving and evaluation, ensuring reliable, self-service capabilities that drive innovation and efficie...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Lead transformative initiatives by championing innovative visions and frameworks. Collaborate with stakeholders to align strategies, empower teams, and drive meaningful outcomes through effective prob...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $145K *

Empower innovation by designing and implementing software solutions in a collaborative environment, tackling complex challenges and enhancing functionality within dynamic projects for clients while en...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$108K - $130K *

Transform dynamic projects into innovative solutions by designing, developing, and maintaining software across front-end and back-end systems. Collaborate with teams while adhering to best practices t...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$185K - $210K *

Lead the transformation of document technology strategy, enhancing capabilities in document management, dynamic generation, and intelligent processing while ensuring compliance and operational excelle...

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$209K - $314K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to establish security foundations for AI agents. Collaborate on agent identification, authentication, and verification, ensuring trust and quality in production service...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$184K - $276K *

Lead the charge in building security foundations for AI agents, overseeing a team that ensures agent identification, authentication, and authorization while collaborating across platforms to enhance t...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform your skills as you lead critical development efforts from planning to delivery, collaborating with a national team of experts to create high-quality software solutions that meet project goal...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$120K - $148K *

Accelerate team performance and delivery by leading software engineers, fostering development, and enhancing organizational effectiveness in a dynamic, remote environment. Drive sustainable practices...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$176K - $212K *

Elevate your career by leading residential land development initiatives, driving project management, and fostering strategic partnerships in the Pacific Northwest. Collaborate with diverse teams to id...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in software innovation while mentoring a high-performing engineering team. Drive technical solutions and ensure project success through hands-on involvement, fostering a culture of con...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Manage multiple engineering teams to deliver AI-driven software solutions, ensuring effective collaboration and resource allocation while fostering a positive team culture and driving innovation acros...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.