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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$112K - $158K *

Lead a dynamic team to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. Drive best practices in service delivery, manage escalations, and foster team growth while ensuring alignment with business objecti...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $175K *

Join us to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in delivering complex IT modernization projects for the U.S. Department of State, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with mission objective...

Washington DC, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $225K *

Oversee complex industrial construction projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely completion. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contractor performance, and coordinate with stakeholders to achi...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$137K - $231K *

Lead the charge in crafting impactful user experiences across multiple sectors. Drive design strategies, engage with customers, and collaborate closely with product and engineering teams to shape end...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $190K *

Empower innovation by leading a dynamic AI & Automation engineering team. Drive enterprise-scale AI solutions, ensuring delivery, governance, and operational excellence across retail functions while f...

United StatesRemote

Today

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

$110K - $177K *

Lead the charge in software development across a cross-functional team while ensuring quality and technical excellence. Balance hands-on coding with team leadership to deliver high-value applications...

Ohio, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$135K - $160K *

Lead cross-functional programs to enhance a high-performance cloud platform. Drive strategic initiatives, mentor teams, and improve engineering productivity while collaborating closely with software e...

New York City, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $190K *

Accelerate progress at a leading Customer Success team, driving renewal outcomes and enhancing team effectiveness through innovative engagement strategies and AI-driven solutions for a diverse portfol...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$279K - $349K *

Drive the strategy and execution of dedicated infrastructure engineering, leading a high-performing team to enhance enterprise SaaS offerings, ensure compliance, and deliver exceptional customer exper...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$148K - $190K *

Join us to lead user experience design on our innovative learning platform. You'll own the design end-to-end, establishing a design system, shaping navigation, and enhancing the student experience thr...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

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

$175K - $185K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality backend services, integrating new partners, and enhancing workflows. Leverage your extensive experience to architect solutions that support a dy...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $195K *

Elevate operations by leading multi-site logistics and final-mile delivery. Drive efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction while managing budgets and developing talent across the Central region...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$118K - $222K *

Empower the delivery of transformative technology initiatives by collaborating with leaders to enhance project execution, manage dependencies, and drive value across teams, ensuring successful outcome...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Empower your career by leading innovative GTM engineering initiatives. Drive AI workflows, automate marketing processes, and enhance productivity across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to transfo...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $200K *

Lead the charge in managing complex Life Sciences programs, ensuring alignment with customer commitments. Drive delivery across teams, proactively addressing risks and building a PMO as the business s...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $195K *

Drive change management initiatives that enhance employee engagement and operational efficiency. Collaborate across teams to ensure successful adoption of technology and policy changes, while providin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$104K - $153K *

Unlock your potential by leading the technical delivery of workforce applications. Collaborate with teams to enhance productivity through automation, AI, and integrations, ensuring secure and efficien...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$169K - $338K *

Join a dynamic team to lead the design of scalable, AI-driven software systems. Drive innovation and operational excellence while mentoring engineers and enhancing user experiences through strategic a...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 weeks ago

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

$120K - $145K *

Engage in technical leadership and project management to develop industry standards and reports. Collaborate with working groups to drive best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$82K - $229K *

Lead the charge in managing creative projects from inception to delivery, ensuring alignment with brand standards. Collaborate across teams to optimize workflows and maintain quality control for all a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $180K *

Drive product strategy and execution for a critical portfolio area, leading cross-functional teams to transform user insights into impactful software solutions while mentoring others and shaping platf...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$81K - $100K *

Deliver exceptional client service by managing strategic accounts, driving retention, and fostering growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address customer needs and expand business opport...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $120K *

Elevate your storytelling skills by crafting compelling proposals and presentations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to communicate our value to clients, while managing resources and optimizin...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Contribute to innovative digital solutions as a Staff Engineer, collaborating with a cross-functional team to enhance custom applications that serve hundreds of thousands. Your technical expertise wil...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$72K - $92K *

Redefine customer success by managing a strategic portfolio, driving growth, and fostering executive relationships. Leverage your expertise to enhance customer outcomes and ensure long-term value in a...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise 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.