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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$85K - $116K *

Partner with us to oversee complex cloud application systems, ensuring operational excellence and system reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, implement improvem...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Support the operational integrity of complex cloud systems, ensuring high availability and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and main...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Help us deliver high-quality cloud solutions by managing complex production systems, ensuring operational excellence, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance and re...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in optimizing mission-critical Mainframe applications, providing technical leadership and advanced support for Life Insurance systems. Drive performance enhancements and mentor teams t...

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Innovate and enhance cloud-based systems while providing operational support and solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system reliability and compliance, driving continuous impr...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Pioneer innovative solutions in cloud systems management, ensuring operational excellence and system reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and compliance while ad...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Transform complex cloud systems through operational support and innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance, ensure compliance, and drive continuous imp...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $116K *

Contribute to the operational support of complex cloud systems, developing solutions and ensuring system reliability. Collaborate with users and teams to enhance performance while maintaining complian...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$196K - $217K *

Lead the charge in building a high-performing software engineering team that delivers mission-critical internal platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to drive technical excellence...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Join us to architect the future of Kubernetes multi-tenancy, driving innovation and building tools that empower leading engineering teams. Take ownership of complex challenges and contribute to open-s...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$112K - $135K *

Join a team that's passionate about building innovative products. Lead software engineers with a focus on mentorship and engagement, executing major initiatives using Agile and DevOps methodologies to...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$88K - $105K *

Elevate your career by overseeing civil/site development projects from planning to close-out. Ensure timely, budget-friendly delivery while leading diverse teams and maintaining high-quality standards...

2 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Transform project delivery by leading civil/site development from planning to close-out. Ensure safety, quality, and budget adherence while coordinating teams and managing client relations for success...

2 weeks ago

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

$150K - $180K *

Empower teams to innovate and deliver enterprise software solutions. Lead cross-functional engineering efforts, champion AI integration, and enhance software practices to align technology with busines...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$138K - $231K *

Lead cross-functional initiatives in hardware strategy, driving execution and alignment across teams. Collaborate with leadership to enhance operational effectiveness and support technology investment...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $220K *

Lead the evolution of a critical fintech platform by designing scalable solutions, modernizing architecture, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and reliability in a d...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$90K - $115K *

Lead a dynamic team of developers to design and implement innovative software solutions that enhance manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency and scalability while mentoring team members and coll...

Abbotsford, BCIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$166K - $220K *

Lead the charge in managing multi-site operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and inspiring workplace environments across diverse facilities while fostering strong cross-functional partnerships and dri...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$165K - $248K *

Innovate AI-driven engineering solutions to enhance developer productivity and software quality. Lead the design and integration of AI agents across the SDLC, ensuring scalable and secure workflows th...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$165K - $248K *

Pioneer innovative AI-driven solutions to enhance software development workflows, integrating advanced technologies to boost productivity and quality across engineering teams. Collaborate with cross-f...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate customer engagement by leveraging technical expertise in composite materials. Drive growth through strong relationships with aerospace OEMs, solving complex challenges and optimizing applicati...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Shape the future of software projects by leading teams, defining scopes, and ensuring timely delivery while utilizing Agile methodologies and best practices to drive success and continuous improvement...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$170K - $180K *

Lead the charge in overseeing complex software development initiatives, driving Agile sprint teams, and ensuring seamless integration of web services and databases to meet organizational goals while e...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$188K - $302K *

Elevate program management by leading a high-performing team that supports disciplined product development and execution across complex technology initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional leader...

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Make your mark by designing cutting-edge control systems for UAVs. This role involves developing algorithms, optimizing flight performance, and integrating machine learning to enhance autonomy—all whi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.