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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$140K - $190K *

Innovate software solutions in dynamic environments, collaborating with operators and engineers to rapidly prototype and deploy mission-critical capabilities. Leverage your technical expertise to inte...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K *

Empower our customers by delivering hands-on technical support and demonstrations for advanced counter-drone technology. Join a dynamic team, troubleshoot complex issues, and help shape our new US fac...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$143K - $215K *

Champion end-to-end operations and security for GTM platforms, driving strategic programs and governance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and compliance across Salesforc...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead and mentor a team of SDETs to enhance automated testing for Unreal Engine, driving quality assurance initiatives and fostering a culture of excellence in software engineering practices across the...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$155K - $258K *

Lead and mentor a team of SDETs to enhance automated testing for Unreal Engine. Drive quality initiatives, develop frameworks, and ensure robust test coverage while collaborating with engineering lead...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$60K - $140K *

Drive successful website development initiatives by managing project plans, budgets, and resources. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver high-quality content and ensure projects align with strate...

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer high-performance cloud applications on AWS, leveraging AI tools to enhance development and optimize performance. Lead technical initiatives, mentor developers, and drive innovation through str...

Yesterday

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

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate your career by leading large-scale, cross-functional programs in data and AI. Drive execution, manage dependencies, and influence strategy while collaborating with engineering and product t...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in transforming child care systems through strategic planning and execution. Drive large-scale modernization initiatives, ensuring alignment among stakeholders while managing vendor re...

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead a high-performing team to develop and execute R&D testing strategies, enhancing hardware reliability and reducing development time. Drive visibility into testing progress while managing multiple...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $130K *

Empower the enterprise by leading the development of trusted, AI-ready data products that enhance analytics and reporting while ensuring data governance and quality across a crucial portfolio of workf...

Markham, ONIn-Person

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading web strategy and AI integration. Drive the roadmap for corporate and customer-facing applications while managing a technical team to achieve business goals and enhance digi...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$129K - $161K *

Lead the charge in elevating digital experiences through strategic web management and AI integration. Collaborate cross-functionally while mentoring a dynamic team to push the boundaries of technology...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted 5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive complex project implementations by leading cross-functional teams, managing deliverables, and ensuring compliance. Leverage Salesforce expertise to optimize processes and foster client relations...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of global product development, leading complex engineering projects from concept to commercialization while ensuring timely delivery and quality across cross-funct...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Contribute to the evolution of distributed query engines by enhancing Apache Spark's performance with Apache DataFusion Comet. Collaborate with experts to optimize data processing for millions of user...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in designing and building cloud-native applications for warehouse and supply chain operations, balancing architecture and hands-on coding in an agile environment...

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Drive complex technology initiatives with strategic execution and strong stakeholder collaboration, ensuring project delivery on time and within budget while focusing on business value and navigating...

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$172K - $230K *

Drive execution and coordination across engineering, ensuring clear priorities and accountability. Collaborate closely with the CTO and technical leaders to enhance processes and visibility, fostering...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Deliver large-scale IT projects in an enterprise setting, managing cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve strategic goals, timelines, and budgets while driving organizational change and me...

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$203K - $345K *

Champion the vision for Agentic Software Delivery, spearheading strategic innovation across CI, CD, and observability to enhance software delivery automation and customer experience while driving reve...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $296K *

Advance the development of innovative software solutions, integrating scalable and secure applications while mentoring teams. Drive technical leadership and ensure quality assurance throughout the sof...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$166K - $195K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of developer infrastructure, optimizing build systems and CI pipelines to enhance developer productivity. Make a significant impact in driving innovation and effi...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$114K - $155K *

Transform the testing landscape by developing automated solutions for AI products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance testing strategies, ensuring quality and reliability in a fast-pac...

CanadaRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $205K *

Architect and drive strategic program execution across complex SaaS initiatives, ensuring alignment and clarity among cross-functional teams while managing risks and dependencies to achieve organizati...

Yesterday

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

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.