Senior Manager, Software Development Jobs

Explore senior manager, software development opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted roles paying $100,000 or more. Senior managers guide engineering teams, shape technical direction, and help organizations deliver reliable software that meets business needs.

What Does a Senior Manager of Software Development Do?

Senior managers oversee software development teams and programs, translating organizational priorities into technical plans and delivery goals. Depending on the company, they may manage multiple teams, partner with product and design leaders, guide architecture decisions, and establish practices for quality, security, and dependable releases.

Common Responsibilities

  • Lead, coach, and develop software engineers and engineering managers.
  • Set team priorities, delivery plans, and measurable performance goals.
  • Collaborate with product, design, security, and business stakeholders.
  • Guide technical strategy, architecture, and modernization initiatives.
  • Improve engineering processes, code quality, and release reliability.
  • Manage staffing, budgets, risks, and cross-team dependencies.

Skills and Qualifications Employers Seek

Employers commonly look for substantial software engineering experience, a record of leading teams, and the ability to balance technical judgment with business priorities. Useful strengths include people management, strategic planning, systems design, clear communication, and experience with modern development practices. Requirements vary by organization, industry, and the scope of the role.

Find Senior Software Development Leadership Roles

Use Ladders to explore senior manager, software development jobs and discover opportunities that match your experience and career goals. Compare role requirements, leadership scope, and compensation details as you search for your next software engineering management position.

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1
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$220K - $240K *

Shape the future of loyalty by leading the technical execution and innovation of AI-powered features in a rapidly evolving product landscape, driving cross-functional initiatives with a focus on archi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$165K - $185K *

Shape the future of cloud management by leading a dynamic team in delivering VMware by Broadcom solutions. Drive technical excellence, mentor talent, and ensure high-quality service delivery for enter...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Transform the Kubernetes and AI/ML infrastructure landscape by leading cross-team initiatives, defining architecture, and enhancing platform reliability for scalable, secure cloud solutions...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$106K - $159K *

Help us build and innovate workforce AI platforms, integrating advanced systems and analytics to enable seamless AI adoption and enhance productivity across the enterprise. Drive measurable impact and...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$99K - $172K *

Join a team that's driving payroll excellence across multiple countries. Lead a dedicated payroll team, ensuring compliance and accuracy for 1,000+ employees while collaborating with various departmen...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$240K - $330K *

Transform security operations by leading a dynamic Product Security team. Drive risk-based strategies, empower engineering teams, and enhance security posture through automation and collaboration. Sha...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$205K - $255K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of data protection by leading the Computer Backup engineering team. Drive technical direction, manage budgets, and enhance collaboration across desktop and backen...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a pioneering team where you'll innovate software solutions for framing and structural analysis. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, set technical direction, and contribute to softwar...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$180K - $229K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of insurance technology by leading engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance product effectiven...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Innovate AI-driven systems that enhance clinical and operational workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, elevate care delivery, and build scalable infrastructure in...

New York City, NYRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$170K - $221K *

Partner with us to deliver integrated IT solutions that align with customer goals. Leverage your technical expertise to navigate complex requirements and enhance customer satisfaction through innovati...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Transform the recruitment landscape by owning full-cycle hiring for GTM and R&D teams. Engage with stakeholders, shape strategies, and drive hiring velocity while ensuring a positive candidate experie...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$298K *

Drive strategic financial planning and forecasting for global subscription services. Collaborate with leaders to enhance decision-making, improve processes, and mentor junior staff, ensuring alignment...

San Mateo, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Empower the development of innovative banking solutions by driving product strategy, collaborating across teams, and delivering scalable capabilities that enhance customer experiences and meet busines...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$142K - $203K *

Design and optimize AI-ready networking infrastructures to support high-performance computing and data-intensive workloads. Collaborate with customers to assess, plan, and implement scalable solutions...

RemoteRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$202K - $253K *

Elevate your leadership as you drive engineering excellence, overseeing multiple squads from prototype to production. Shape the roadmap, empower teams, and ensure quality delivery while staying techni...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Explore exciting challenges in AI evaluation by developing frameworks and custom validators for cutting-edge machine learning applications. Collaborate to enhance the quality and reliability of AI age...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$116K - $145K *

Empower innovation by delivering resilient software solutions, driving data migration, and enhancing customer onboarding experiences. Collaborate in a dynamic team to build automation and support seam...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$102K - $154K *

Lead the charge in managing complex customer escalations, driving rapid resolutions and systemic improvements. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance workflows and customer experiences while ensuri...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$94K - $161K *

Manage product development from concept to release, focusing on technical solutions. Engage with clients to define requirements, drive innovation, and ensure products meet business needs while collabo...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Innovate your career by leading SaaS modernization projects, enhancing delivery efficiency through AI and automation. Drive customer success by transforming legacy systems into scalable, sustainable s...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $286K *

Transform the future of technology by driving AI-powered reliability and automation. Own platform scalability and observability while enhancing customer support excellence through innovative solutions...

Bentonville, ARRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a senior manager of software development do?question toggle

    A senior manager leads software development teams, sets delivery priorities, supports team growth, and works with stakeholders to align engineering work with business goals. The role may also include technical strategy, architecture oversight, budgeting, and coordination across teams.

  • What qualifications are typically required for senior manager, software development jobs?question toggle

    Employers often seek significant software engineering experience, demonstrated people leadership, and strong communication and planning skills. Some roles also require experience with particular technologies, industries, or large-scale systems; qualifications differ by employer.

  • How is a senior manager of software development different from an engineering manager?question toggle

    Titles vary across companies. Senior managers often oversee a broader scope, such as multiple teams, engineering managers, or cross-organization initiatives, while engineering managers may focus on one team. Responsibilities depend on the organization’s structure.

  • Do senior manager, software development jobs pay $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Actual compensation for a specific role can vary based on location, company, industry, experience, and responsibilities; review each listing for available salary information.

  • Where can I find senior manager, software development jobs?question toggle

    Browse Ladders for senior manager, software development openings and review listings for role scope, qualifications, location, and compensation details.