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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$142K - $178K *

Lead the development and execution of Salesforce engineering strategies, ensuring high-quality solutions while mentoring teams and collaborating with stakeholders to drive innovation and scalability a...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Elevate user experiences by leading UI development for innovative spectrum data products. Drive architecture, integrate AI capabilities, and create high-performance visualizations while collaborating...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Transform the build infrastructure by leading the Bazel migration, designing remote execution, and enhancing CI/CD systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to optimize build times and establish bes...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving automation in CI/CD pipelines to enhance reliability and efficiency. As a Staff-level contributor, you'll blend AI techniques with software automation to support rapid devel...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$180K - $220K *

Empower a globally distributed team to build and enhance an in-house ERP application, ensuring alignment across engineering, operations, and delivery while fostering a culture of collaboration, accoun...

United StatesRemote

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $175K *

Lead a high-performance technical delivery team, driving the development of cloud-based software solutions and ensuring client satisfaction through effective project management and cross-functional co...

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of cloud-based software delivery by leading a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality project execution, and fostering a client-centric culture while driving innovation and efficiency in...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$156K - $210K *

Take ownership of full-stack projects, driving development from scoping to delivery. Collaborate across teams to create high-quality applications using Python and React, while leveraging AI tools to e...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$129K - $174K *

Transform software development by leading teams, driving innovation, and managing complex systems. Collaborate across departments to enhance operational excellence and mentor engineers while staying a...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$161K - $241K *

Lead and inspire a team of engineers to develop software for advanced quantum computing systems. Balance technical contributions with management responsibilities to ensure successful project execution...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $230K *

Champion innovative engineering practices and lead diverse teams to enhance performance, drive strategic hiring, and foster collaboration across disciplines, ensuring high engagement and ethical stand...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Join a team that's redefining software quality assurance with an automation-first strategy. Lead and inspire a skilled team to ensure robust testing across firmware, compilers, and inference serving...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $190K *

Transform IT engineering by leading strategy and execution of scalable, secure solutions across infrastructure and networks. Drive cross-functional initiatives while developing a high-performing team...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $190K *

Lead the charge in shaping IT engineering strategy and execution, driving scalable, secure solutions across infrastructure and networks while fostering a high-performing team in a dynamic, global envi...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $190K *

Advance your career by leading IT engineering strategy and execution. Drive complex initiatives across infrastructure and networks while developing a high-performing team focused on reliability, secur...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $190K *

Join as a Senior Manager in IT Engineering to lead global strategies, architecture, and execution of scalable, secure solutions across infrastructure and automation, while developing a high-performing...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $175K *

Pioneer the future of engineering leadership by guiding global teams to deliver resilient, high-performance platforms that enhance index management and operational workflows while fostering a culture...

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $190K *

Engage in the fast-paced world of pilot manufacturing, driving process development and cross-functional collaboration to ensure timely production of innovative energy solutions. Your expertise will he...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$145K - $155K *

Elevate your career as a Senior Software Engineer, driving innovation in cloud-native applications and AI integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission-critical systems in a...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$103K - $218K *

Lead technical initiatives in a complex COTS ecosystem, guiding software development and modernization efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance mission-critical systems while ensuri...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Support a skilled maintenance team by managing schedules, budgets, and compliance. Drive operational excellence through process improvements, effective communication, and safety initiatives, enhancing...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive engineering excellence by designing and developing scalable, cloud-based technology solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance business capabilities and foster innovation in a...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Lead our software engineering team to deliver innovative solutions for medical devices. Oversee embedded firmware and applications, ensuring regulatory compliance and managing the full software lifecy...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Optimize complex technical programs across engineering and product teams. Lead initiatives from concept to delivery, balancing strategic goals with execution. Shape the future of AI-powered solutions...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$176K - $256K *

Lead the charge in negotiating critical infrastructure agreements to support large-scale data center development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery of l...

Today

  •   8 - 10 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.