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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$201K - $263K *

Lead a globally distributed engineering team to architect and scale enterprise-level Go-To-Market systems, ensuring seamless integration across Salesforce and other platforms while fostering a culture...

Austin, TXRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $185K *

Drive technical excellence by developing standards and processes for commissioning, ensuring consistent execution across projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workforce capabili...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Explore the dynamic role of a Program Manager, overseeing end-to-end data collection programs. Drive operational excellence, client satisfaction, and strategic execution in a fast-paced environment, e...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$127K - $175K *

Champion the execution of security and privacy initiatives, aligning cross-functional teams to reduce risks and enhance outcomes. Drive strategic planning, maintain clear communication, and prepare ex...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Eden Prairie, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to develop and customize software solutions, leveraging your expertise in Java, AWS, and agile methodologies. Collaborate on innovative projects that meet client needs while enhanc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$153K - $213K *

Take ownership of a customer-facing product area, driving strategy and execution. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance user experience, leverage AI, and achieve key performance metrics while deli...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform frontline manager development by leading strategic programs that enhance coaching, deal inspection, and pipeline management. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive consistent team performan...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $198K *

Lead a dynamic software development team, driving modernization and secure engineering practices across legacy and cloud-native systems while fostering collaboration and high-quality delivery...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of autonomous driving by designing and implementing advanced behavior planning systems. Collaborate with experts to tackle complex challenges in dynamic environme...

RemoteRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$80K - $95K *

Champion the seamless execution of complex AI and Cloud projects, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder satisfaction. Leverage your project management skills to coordinate multiple initiatives in a...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$146K - $282K *

Engineer high-quality software solutions, mentor team members, and drive architectural decisions in an AI-driven environment, ensuring excellence and collaboration across product development...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $216K *

Champion the development of high-performance REST APIs, leading architectural decisions and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to enhance system performance and establish best practices in...

Cambridge, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $190K *

Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Drive complex project implementations by leading cross-functional teams, managing deliverables, and ensuring compliance. Leverage Salesforce expertise to optimize processes and foster client relations...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$203K - $345K *

Champion the vision for Agentic Software Delivery, spearheading strategic innovation across CI, CD, and observability to enhance software delivery automation and customer experience while driving reve...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$114K - $155K *

Transform the testing landscape by developing automated solutions for AI products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing strategies, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-pac...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Transform your career by designing and developing scalable software solutions using C#, .NET, and Azure. Collaborate in a dynamic team to implement best practices in CI/CD and API development, ensurin...

Richmond Hill, ONRemote

Today

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

$170K - $185K *

Champion innovative software solutions by leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and driving technical excellence across teams. Collaborate on strategic initiatives to enhance reliability and...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $173K *

Innovate by solving complex problems and building cloud-native solutions. Collaborate in an agile environment, delivering impactful software while utilizing modern technologies related to AI, Java, AW...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$208K - $306K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence by leading platform services that enhance software development. Drive innovation, consolidate capabilities, and foster a culture of collaboration t...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $176K *

Lead the charge in managing a high-performing PMO team, driving project success through strategic financial oversight, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational eff...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$162K - $290K *

Contribute to building cutting-edge software systems that harness AI to solve real-world operational challenges. Drive technical strategy, collaborate across teams, and develop full-stack solutions in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$126K - $176K *

Lead the charge in managing complex data center projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery. Collaborate with diverse teams to foster relationships and drive strategic improvements while e...

RemoteRemote

Today

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

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.