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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$204K - $290K *

Lead the technical strategy of a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality project delivery while fostering collaboration across product development. Advocate for best practices in code and operational proc...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$113K - $215K *

Drive transformative initiatives by leading complex, cross-functional programs to deliver impactful digital, data, and operational capabilities while aligning stakeholders and driving project success...

Seattle, WARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to overseeing personnel and operational execution across critical Navy training programs. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contracts, and ensure successful program del...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$140K - $160K *

Shape the future of software development by designing and implementing scalable applications while integrating advanced AI solutions and enhancing system architectures to meet enterprise needs and ens...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $180K *

Innovate with us as you lead technical delivery for enterprise data integration and migration projects, focusing on Higher Education and Salesforce ecosystems. Drive solution architecture, manage team...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$210K - $235K *

Champion innovation by leading a skilled engineering team, enhancing game coverage features across platforms. Collaborate with Product and Design to streamline engineering delivery and ensure user rel...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$255K - $290K *

Drive the technical vision for a complex database platform, ensuring scalability and performance. Lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance data infrastruc...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $216K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering with AI at its core. You'll design and build innovative solutions for aging parents, ensuring they stay connected and independent while shaping future vertica...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $150K *

Transform project execution by leading multimillion-dollar automated storage solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and customer satisfaction a...

Romeoville, ILRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$157K - $224K *

Champion the evolution of developer tooling and CI/CD pipelines, leading a global team to enhance operational efficiency and drive platform modernization for a multi-tenant SaaS environment, ensuring...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $185K *

Champion the development of high-trust engineering teams while managing intake, capacity planning, and operational excellence. Drive delivery and foster collaboration across functions to meet evolving...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$157K - $174K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of combat vehicle software. Lead architectural design and technical direction for mission-critical systems, integrating advanced technologies in a collaborative...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $205K *

Unlock the potential of our Pro offering by leading product strategy and roadmap. Collaborate across teams to enhance customer experiences for short-term rental operators and HOAs, ensuring scalable s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$93K - $166K *

Transform the future by leading complex projects that drive innovation and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver business value while managing scope, schedule, and resources i...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$125K - $150K *

Empower strategic decision-making by driving data analysis and recommendations. Collaborate with senior leadership to shape initiatives, build financial models, and leverage AI tools, ensuring impactf...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team to drive technical vision and operational excellence in cloud-native platforms. Lead engineering efforts, champion security practices, and empower talent while ensuring system stab...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$127K - $213K *

Transform integration solutions by designing and developing robust MuleSoft applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality delivery and optimize performance while mentori...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Unlock potential by transforming workflows and enhancing team capabilities through AI. Collaborate across departments to implement innovative solutions that streamline operations and drive sustained a...

CanadaRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$135K - $160K *

Unlock potential by leading full-stack Java development teams to drive innovative AI solutions. Lead architecture and design while mentoring engineers, ensuring scalable and secure enterprise systems...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $200K *

Shape the future of financial technology by developing seamless web applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create high-quality software that enhances user experience and drives strategic inn...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$137K - $172K *

Shape the future of technology delivery by leading complex, cross-functional programs that drive business value. Oversee strategic initiatives, ensuring excellence in execution, client satisfaction, a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Optimize integration capabilities within a dynamic software environment, leading the design and implementation of robust APIs and services while mentoring team members and enhancing project workflows...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Architect AI-driven solutions that automate workflows across teams, enhancing efficiency and productivity. Collaborate with diverse departments to design, deploy, and iterate on intelligent agents, sh...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $146K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of network observability by designing, building, and supporting complex software services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure, an...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$138K - $173K *

Join a team that's transforming manufacturing through digital solutions. Lead cross-functional initiatives, drive process improvements, and ensure seamless integration of technology to enhance operati...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 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.