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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$308K - $417K *

Join a team that's redefining data infrastructure by leading engineering efforts to enhance accessibility, reliability, and scalability. Drive transformation and build a world-class team to support AI...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of naval power systems by driving strategic partnerships and identifying new business opportunities. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver innovative solutions while representing...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$116K - $177K *

Elevate automation design and programming for high-performance systems, collaborating with R&D and Manufacturing teams. Ensure reliable system performance through configuration, validation, and troubl...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $195K *

Lead the charge in advancing optical metrology technology through innovative product development and engineering leadership, driving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring customer satisfaction t...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Optimize backend systems by leading scalable infrastructure projects, mentoring teams, and driving technical execution. Collaborate on complex distributed systems while maintaining hands-on developmen...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $140K *

Transform the secured lending origination platform as a Principal Software Engineer. Lead architectural direction, enhance engineering standards, and leverage AI to optimize workflows while ensuring c...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $140K *

Join a dynamic team as a Principal Software Engineer, leading the architectural vision for a cutting-edge loan origination platform. Drive innovation with AI, enhance system resilience, and mentor eng...

North York, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative AI products and solutions that enhance customer workflows while collaborating with teams to integrate and prototype cutting-edge technology and products...

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$171K - $256K *

Elevate your career by leading a team of IC Designers in developing innovative cardiac devices. Drive technical excellence and strategic planning while ensuring project success through collaboration a...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $190K *

Lead a high-performing team to modernize and enhance AI capabilities in legal research. Drive technical strategy, oversee backend systems, and deliver innovative solutions while navigating ambiguity i...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$174K - $178K *

Drive customer success by leading a technical support team, resolving complex issues, and enhancing product performance through innovative solutions and tools. Collaborate globally to ensure 24/7 supp...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Join our dynamic team to shape AI-driven experiences by designing innovative systems and tools that integrate hardware and software, driving performance and usability across Apple’s ecosystem. Collabo...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $150K *

Transform project delivery by managing complex federal manufacturing initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer needs while balancing scope, budget, and timelines for succe...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $125K *

Empower teams by leading project delivery from discovery to execution, ensuring alignment between scope, budget, and timelines. Manage stakeholders and drive Agile processes to achieve successful outc...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Champion the delivery of a large-scale, multi-channel marketing program, ensuring client satisfaction and project success through effective management, collaboration, and innovative solutions over a 1...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Join a dynamic team to oversee project delivery from initiation to completion, ensuring timelines and budgets are met while collaborating across departments to achieve customer satisfaction and projec...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$183K - $260K *

Join a team that's redefining the digital landscape by leading engineering efforts. You'll drive technical strategy, mentor talent, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with cross-fun...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$153K - $230K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead embedded software engineers in developing SONAR systems. Drive project oversight, foster collaboration, and enhance employee engagement while ensuring quality software...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$153K - $230K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic team of embedded software engineers, driving innovation in SONAR systems software development while fostering collaboration and employee growth in a fast-pac...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in R&D by leading product development and mentoring engineers. This role emphasizes organizational growth, technical excellence, and collaboration to elevate engi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$171K - $286K *

Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team focused on developing cutting-edge in-memory database solutions. Drive technical direction and operational excellence while ensuring data durability and p...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$125K - $181K *

Shape the future of technology by designing scalable architectures for cloud migration and microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, optimize performance, and enhance...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$138K - $231K *

Unlock potential by leading complex technical programs in Aerospace and Defense. Drive cross-disciplinary collaboration, manage risks, and ensure alignment between customer needs and engineering execu...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$149K - $249K *

Engage in cross-disciplinary leadership to drive complex Aerospace and Defense programs, ensuring alignment between technical execution and business goals while managing risks and fostering collaborat...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 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.