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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$110K - $130K *

Take ownership of project schedules for data center construction, optimizing timelines and resource allocation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient sequencing and risk mitigati...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K *

Take ownership of innovative cloud security solutions by engineering autonomous AI tools that meet complex requirements, ensuring robust security and efficiency in high-velocity environments. Drive pr...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $235K *

Join a team that's redefining software engineering by developing scalable Python microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to enhance real-time data processing and cloud-based solutions...

Bethesda, MDRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$156K - $196K *

Optimize core processing systems by writing and reviewing production code, enhancing reliability and performance. Lead initiatives to improve transaction routing and authorization, while mentoring eng...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $160K *

Design innovative solutions for a secure online proctored testing platform, guiding engineering teams in modernizing architecture and ensuring scalable, reliable delivery while enhancing candidate and...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$124K - $195K *

Transform systems integration by designing and maintaining APIs, automating workflows, and optimizing SaaS tools. Collaborate across teams to streamline processes and provide technical support for com...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform the content landscape by spearheading product strategy and enhancing customer experiences. Leverage AI and market insights to innovate a comprehensive product portfolio while ensuring editor...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$96K - $148K *

Join a team that's enhancing mission-critical IT services by managing and supporting UNIX/Linux systems in a dynamic environment. Leverage your expertise to implement improvements and ensure robust cy...

Roanoke, VARemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$168K - $285K *

Lead the development of Test & Code Coverage capabilities, transforming complex challenges into actionable strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and streamlin...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of cybersecurity by designing and scaling automated test systems for a leading secrets management platform, ensuring quality and reliability in cloud-native servi...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform our data infrastructure by leading design and deployment of scalable systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data management, mentor engineers, and shape our technical ro...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $195K *

Drive the development and maintenance of low-level CPU firmware and BIOS software, collaborating with hardware engineers and vendors to ensure reliable system initialization and booting across all pro...

Vancouver, BCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$173K - $255K *

Empower global expansion by leading customer operations strategy, managing complex programs, and driving continuous improvement across international markets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$153K - $213K *

Elevate your career by leading global customer operations strategy, driving cross-functional programs, and enhancing service delivery for international markets. Shape the future of customer experience...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$220K - $290K *

Accelerate the development of autonomous systems by leading systems engineering strategies, aligning cross-functional teams, and ensuring rigorous safety and performance standards throughout the produ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading software development initiatives and guiding a high-performing team. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to ensure cohesive delivery and operational excellence in a...

Davenport, IARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$152K - $287K *

Join a team that's developing cutting-edge GPU performance tools for AI and HPC. Your expertise will shape innovative profiling solutions, empowering CUDA engineers globally to maximize GPU capabiliti...

Austin, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $125K *

Lead and develop a high-performing Solution Consulting team, driving strategic engagements and delivering impactful product demonstrations to agency and brokerage clients. Collaborate cross-functional...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $200K *

Drive the development of cutting-edge AI systems by leveraging your expertise in Go and Python. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize and refine scalable services, ensuring high performance and u...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $175K *

Unlock the potential of our NTN device ecosystem by driving strategic partnerships with OEMs, chipset vendors, and manufacturers. Collaborate cross-functionally to align product roadmaps and ensure su...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$500K+*

Unlock potential by building a next-gen ML data platform that enhances productivity for ML practitioners. Collaborate with experts to create scalable infrastructure for feature computation and sharing...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$202K - $334K *

Lead the charge in developing a high-performing team of Partner Technology Architects, driving partner growth through technical excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption while ensuring impactful...

Chicago, ILRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in product strategy and execution for Driver and Rider applications, ensuring a seamless user experience across mobile and web platforms while collaborating closely with engineering an...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$115K - $135K *

Lead the charge in driving new business opportunities and managing territory expansion. Build trusted relationships with key decision-makers while executing partner-led initiatives and coordinating a...

Portland, ORRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$144K - $189K *

Lead the development of large-scale product features, ensuring robust, secure, and maintainable code. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to influence product strategy while mentoring junior engin...

CanadaRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

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.