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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$90K - $115K *

Unlock your potential by leading multidisciplinary projects, fostering client relations, and driving excellence in delivery. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance integrated solutions and support...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Lead engineering teams to modernize critical platforms, integrating AI coding agents into development. Drive strategy, quality, and delivery while fostering a culture of excellence and accountability...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading engineering teams to modernize critical platforms, integrating AI coding agents, and driving software excellence. You'll shape the future of software delivery while ensurin...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Drive modernization strategies and lead engineering teams in building business-critical platforms while incorporating AI coding agents. Stay hands-on with coding, code reviews, and architecture decisi...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Lead engineering teams to innovate and deliver critical software platforms while integrating AI development tools. Drive modernization and technical excellence across multiple projects, directly influ...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$224K - $336K *

Join a team that's shaping developer experiences to enhance velocity across engineering. Lead the charge in building a transformative platform that empowers teams to innovate faster and creates lastin...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$269K - $403K *

Lead the charge in building a robust developer platform that elevates engineering productivity. Own the IDE, AI tools, and developer feedback mechanisms to drive value through technology and innovatio...

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$218K - $328K *

Transform the developer experience by building a robust platform that enhances engineering productivity, streamline workflows, and drive quality, leading to substantial enterprise value for the organi...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$115K - $160K *

Lead the development of weather response strategies for last-mile delivery, optimizing capacity and performance through data analysis and collaboration with stakeholders to enhance operational efficie...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $180K *

Manage and enhance production fleet operations, ensuring reliability and efficiency in AI infrastructure. Lead teams to establish processes for monitoring, incident response, and maintenance, driving...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $155K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in AD/ADAS by leading cross-functional programs. Oversee data validation and release activities, ensuring timely delivery and high quality while fostering collabo...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$110K - $130K *

Transform your career by leading diverse projects, mentoring teams, and driving client satisfaction. Engage with stakeholders to ensure project success while managing budgets and timelines effectively...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Contribute to impactful project outcomes by leading diverse teams and managing complex initiatives. Drive efficiency and client satisfaction while mentoring junior staff and ensuring projects meet sco...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $160K *

Oversee customer deployment projects from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment on scope, schedule, and outcomes. Lead cross-functional teams, manage risks, and drive accountability to deliver suc...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $235K *

Unlock potential by managing complex software development projects across multiple spacecraft programs. Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure timely delivery and alignment with mission mileston...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$150K - $180K *

Innovate by modernizing People systems through AI-driven automation and integration. Own core platforms like Workday HCM and ServiceNow HRSD, ensuring operational excellence and compliance while leadi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Partner with us to modernize People systems by owning core platforms, leveraging AI, and driving automation. You'll enhance operational excellence and lead a high-performing team to transform HR techn...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$203K - $420K *

Elevate HPE Networking's Cloud as a Channel strategy by driving innovative go-to-market initiatives across major cloud marketplaces, fostering partnerships, and generating software revenue through str...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $143K *

Manage the full project lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic goals while fostering strong relationships with clients and cross-functional teams in life sciences and med tec...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$295K - $345K *

Join a team that's at the forefront of innovation, owning foundational components of a powerful platform. You'll develop, build, and optimize systems for diverse devices, ensuring a seamless user expe...

3 weeks ago

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

$120K - $177K *

Lead the Lab Engineering function, overseeing operations, workforce, and facilities to support testing at scale. Drive safety, efficiency, and innovation in a dynamic environment, enabling rigorous ev...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $155K *

Shape the future of Audible's applications by leading complex technical initiatives, mentoring developers, and driving innovative solutions in a collaborative, agile environment...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$130K - $155K *

Elevate your career by driving modular enhancements in RokuOS architecture. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new APIs and optimize system software, ensuring high-performance and re...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in shaping product strategy for a key software suite, driving market success by delivering user-focused solutions to major retailers while ensuring alignment with business objectives a...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$178K - $420K *

Transform the future of software sales by driving innovative Cloud as a Channel strategies. Collaborate with partners and hyperscalers to unlock new revenue streams and enhance customer engagement thr...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 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.