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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$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

$196K - $243K *

Lead the charge in optimizing our Concurrency system, enhancing performance and usability for a robust game engine. Collaborate across teams to implement innovative solutions that elevate player exper...

Yesterday

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

$125K - $180K *

Lead the charge in managing complex programs, overseeing personnel, and ensuring financial health while driving overall program success through strategic direction and collaboration with key stakehold...

5 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$125K - $180K *

Manage program operations, oversee personnel actions, and ensure financial health. Collaborate with technical managers and the COR to drive program success and deliver results in naval shipbuilding an...

5 days ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$200K - $220K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of software development by leading innovative projects, modernizing legacy systems, and leveraging cloud technologies to enhance operational efficiency and client...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$200K - $220K *

Join our team to lead software development projects, modernize legacy systems, and enhance cloud solutions. Utilize your expertise in full-stack development and DevOps to drive innovation and deliver...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$175K - $225K *

Lead and mentor a global engineering team to develop critical data systems, ensuring high-quality project delivery while collaborating with cross-functional teams in trading and operations...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$207K - $300K *

Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic team of engineers to enhance system performance and reliability across major applications. Drive technical strategy and foster innovation in a collaborative...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Oversee shipbuilding projects, ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory standards while managing engineering deliverables and guiding teams through design to delivery phases...

Levis, QCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$182K - $186K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and optimization of large-scale distributed systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance reliability and performance, driving innovation in a dynamic envir...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$146K - $282K *

Champion high-quality software delivery as a technical leader, driving architectural decisions and engineering excellence in an AI-driven environment. Collaborate with stakeholders to build resilient...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$146K - $282K *

Engineer high-quality software solutions, mentor team members, and drive architectural decisions in an AI-driven environment, ensuring excellence and collaboration across product development...

Salt Lake City, UTRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$116K - $157K *

Drive program success by leading cross-functional teams in executing IRAD efforts, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, and schedule goals from concept to transition, while fostering collaboration...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$112K - $135K *

Unlock potential by managing contract execution, leading program meetings, and interfacing with customers to ensure successful delivery. Collaborate on bids, assess risks, and drive continuous improve...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $161K *

Lead your career by managing complex programs that drive cross-functional excellence and align stakeholders to achieve business objectives. Ensure rigorous execution, budget management, and risk mitig...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$134K - $181K *

Champion the future of advanced development by leading IRAD efforts, ensuring alignment across teams, and driving program success from concept to execution while managing budgets, risks, and stakehold...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $216K *

Champion the development of high-performance REST APIs, leading architectural decisions and mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to enhance system performance and establish best practices in...

Cambridge, ONRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $216K *

Elevate your career by leading the design and implementation of high-performance backend systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish API standards and mentor engineers, driving innov...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $400K *

Lead the charge in designing and building robust systems for AI agent configuration, training, and monitoring. Collaborate closely with product and design teams to deliver user-friendly solutions that...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $400K *

Explore a pivotal role in shaping AI agent systems, driving innovation through self-serve functionalities and robust monitoring tools. Collaborate closely with product and design teams to deliver impa...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $180K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in data and analytics. As a Software Product Manager, you'll manage software products and data assets, translating business needs into actionable plans while coll...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $180K *

Join our Data and Analytics team to manage software products that unlock business opportunities. Collaborate across departments to drive product lifecycle success and enhance data-driven decision-maki...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $180K *

Lead the charge in managing software products and data assets to unlock business opportunities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the product lifecycle and ensure alignment with organiz...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $180K *

Champion innovative software solutions by managing product lifecycles, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving data-driven decision-making to unlock business opportunities and enhance o...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $180K *

Unlock potential by managing software products and data assets to drive business opportunities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution throughout the product lifecycle...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.