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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$120K - $145K *

Deliver impactful technical programs by leading R&D initiatives that advance aerospace and defense technologies. Manage multiple projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals while coordinating cr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the execution of R&D programs to advance aerospace technologies, managing multiple concurrent projects with budgets up to $10 million. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in managing multiple technical development programs, ensuring effective execution and governance of aerospace and defense projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams to dr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in managing multiple technical development programs, ensuring effective execution and governance of aerospace and defense projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams to dr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$113K - $163K *

Lead and develop cross-functional engineering teams, translating business goals into scalable solutions while fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement to ensure delivery...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Drive successful software implementation projects across the Americas, managing schedules, risks, and stakeholder communication while mentoring junior Project Managers and ensuring adherence to best p...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$200K - $250K *

Elevate your career by shaping our UI platform, driving architectural improvements, and collaborating with product teams to deliver high-impact solutions across 100+ applications in a dynamic environm...

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $145K *

Transform autonomous systems through precise requirements management as a Senior Technical Program Manager. Lead cross-team initiatives, guide agile ceremonies, and ensure technical clarity to drive p...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$104K - $112K *

Join a dynamic team to manage digital projects, optimizing web initiatives and driving business outcomes through effective collaboration and strategic planning across departments...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Grow your career with a hands-on leadership role driving complex projects. Oversee cross-functional teams, manage schedules, budgets, and stakeholder expectations while ensuring alignment and successf...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $145K *

Drive program success and rebuild essential relationships by guiding a technical team to exceed customer expectations. Foster transparency, risk resolution, and operational excellence within a dynamic...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in restoring trust and efficiency across a key technical contract. Engage with stakeholders to ensure alignment, manage risk, and drive excellence in delivery while mentoring a special...

Reposted today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$132K - $165K *

Drive engineering excellence by leading and mentoring a diverse team, establishing best practices, and overseeing product development from concept to manufacturing, ensuring alignment with customer ex...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$169K - $315K *

Elevate your career by leading a team of engineers to deliver complex AI solutions. Drive team growth, manage enterprise accounts, and enhance customer experiences through hands-on technical leadershi...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Pioneer innovative solutions as a Senior Manager in Deployed Engineering, leading hands-on deployments and building a high-performing team. Collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to dri...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform your career by leading a dynamic team in deploying innovative AI solutions for top audit firms. Engage directly with clients while building production code and shaping the future of audit te...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Shape the future of project management by leading complex, integrated technology initiatives. Manage end-to-end project lifecycles, ensuring timely delivery within standards of quality, performance, a...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $140K *

Join a team that's transforming software development for the Department of War. Engage in a dynamic environment, collaborating with a large team to deliver high-quality, cloud-based applications using...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $140K *

Unlock your potential as a Software Development Specialist, collaborating with a dynamic team to deliver high-quality cloud-based solutions for Department of War customers. Engage in critical developm...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate your career by managing production programs from inception to completion, ensuring contract compliance and performance goals are met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive productio...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$88K - $105K *

Partner with us to drive partner onboarding success and streamline project implementations across teams, ensuring timely delivery, quality, and high partner satisfaction throughout the process...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $163K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance operational stability and reliability of critical technology platforms. Lead production support efforts, improve application performance, and foster collaboration across...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$113K - $163K *

Champion operational excellence by leading a team focused on production support and reliability of critical technology platforms. Drive improvements in service performance and customer experience thro...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$113K - $163K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional engineering teams to deliver scalable solutions. Foster a culture of trust and continuous improvement while ensuring operational excellence and alignment w...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$113K - $163K *

Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team to deliver secure, scalable technology solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to translate strategic priorities into actionable engin...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 weeks 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.