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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$135K - $150K *

Champion growth by leading strategic business development initiatives, forging partnerships, and driving revenue expansion. Collaborate with executives to align goals and enhance market presence while...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$186K - $285K *

Elevate your impact by defining the technical vision and architecture for critical platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex challenges while leading modernization and engine...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the design and development of complex software systems, ensuring architectural consistency and best practices. Collaborate with teams to deliver scalable solutions while mentoring engineers and d...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading PMO operations for a complex federal IT program. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure timely execution, effective risk management, and compliance, while maintaining sche...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$116K - $157K *

Grow your career with our FP&A Systems team, designing innovative EPM solutions and enhancing financial planning processes. Collaborate with various stakeholders to optimize efficiency and ensure data...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$125K - $148K *

Drive strategic partner acquisition by generating new business opportunities in workforce payments, focusing on payroll and pension. Collaborate cross-functionally to build a robust pipeline and lead...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $220K *

Unlock potential by leading software systems management and optimization across a global portfolio. Collaborate with business and technology leaders to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$180K - $195K *

Transform gated community access and security through innovative product management. Lead the roadmap, collaborate with teams, and leverage AI to enhance user experiences while driving measurable busi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead Oracle Cloud EPM projects, ensuring timely delivery and high quality. Collaborate with stakeholders and manage resources to achieve project objectives, fostering team success and effective commun...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead customer engagement through technical discovery and deployment, integrating AI solutions while collaborating with Sales, Product, and Engineering teams. Drive implementation efficiency and bridge...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $150K *

Drive your career with innovative AI-driven automation solutions that enhance IT operations and user experience. Collaborate across teams to minimize manual tasks, improve efficiency, and implement in...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Grow your career with us by leading complex, cross-functional projects that drive strategic outcomes. Collaborate with senior leaders to translate objectives into actionable plans while navigating amb...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $150K *

Optimize automation initiatives to enhance business efficiency organization-wide. Collaborate with RPA specialists and stakeholders to identify opportunities, design solutions, and drive measurable im...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

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

$110K - $150K *

Accelerate progress at driving automation initiatives that generate measurable business value. Collaborate with RPA specialists and business leaders to optimize solutions and enhance operational effic...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$135K - $160K *

Lead and optimize PMO strategies for major aviation and infrastructure programs. Drive governance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement while mentoring a high-performing team to ensure project...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$175K - $270K *

Oversee the strategy and development of data products, driving market execution and collaboration across teams to enhance audience targeting and measurement capabilities for agencies and brands...

Columbia, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$148K - $175K *

Elevate your career by providing strategic oversight of project controls, balancing technical leadership with client advisory support. Mentor teams and influence delivery models while contributing to...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $120K *

Transform the future of automation by leading innovative robotic solutions. Drive design, compliance, and manufacturing processes while mentoring a high-performing team in a dynamic, growth-stage envi...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $160K *

Empower our Managed Services tooling ecosystem by designing integrations and automations. You'll lead the configuration of Jira Service Management, optimize alerting, and ensure seamless connectivity...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of vendor payments by leading complex financial workflows, enhancing payment efficiency, and ensuring compliance in a dynamic, tech-driven SaaS environment. Collaborate with cross-fun...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$162K - $202K *

Oversee end-to-end technology program delivery for credit and lending products, collaborating across multiple teams to ensure compliance and operational readiness while driving strategy and managing r...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $130K *

Drive product marketing for innovative defense tech solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape strategies, develop compelling narratives, and execute impactful campaigns that enhance...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $175K *

Grow your career with a leadership role in federal business development, driving strategy and execution for health programs. Lead capture management, build relationships, and mentor staff while contri...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of in vitro diagnostics by leading complex, cross-functional product development projects from concept to launch in a regulated environment, ensuring compliance a...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$135K - $160K *

Transform customer engagement by leading a team of Solutions Architects, driving technical strategy and operational excellence across the India region while ensuring alignment with cross-functional pa...

United StatesRemote

6 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.