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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$136K - $187K *

Elevate software engineering capabilities by crafting and optimizing tools for large-scale integration. Embrace a test-driven, agile environment and drive continuous improvement to produce high-qualit...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $252K *

Unlock potential by leading test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to design automated benchmarks and validate deployment safety, ensuring high standards acr...

Ottawa, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $252K *

Contribute to the development of robust test strategies for hypervisor performance and VM quality. Collaborate with teams to ensure deployment safety and validate systems, while mentoring others in st...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$91K - $163K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing and enhancing analytics solutions using big data tools and AI/ML technologies. Collaborate on innovative projects while enjoying the flexibility of telecommu...

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$72K - $130K *

Optimize operational excellence by providing advanced production support for enterprise applications and cloud platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure stability, drive incident re...

5 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$91K - $163K *

Transform healthcare delivery by leading software development initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and optimize enterprise applications using modern technologies an...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$91K - $163K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and development of scalable APIs and microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance identity management solutions while ensuring high performa...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$118K - $219K *

Empower the future of legal research by leading a dynamic engineering team to develop innovative AI-driven solutions. Drive technical excellence and foster a culture of continuous learning while deliv...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$114K - $234K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement distributed messaging systems that enhance performance and reliability. Leverage your expertise in cloud services to drive architectural decisions and mento...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$114K - $234K *

Lead the design and implementation of distributed messaging systems, enhancing performance and reliability. Collaborate across teams to shape architecture and drive improvements in cloud services, ens...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$400K - $500K *

Join a dynamic team to develop innovative products at the forefront of generative AI. Collaborate across engineering, product, and design to rapidly prototype and deliver compelling user experiences w...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$181K - $213K *

Innovate with us as you lead complex projects, simplifying systems and enhancing our back office platform. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive impactful solutions in a fast-paced environment, leve...

Waterloo, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$181K - $213K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive complex technical projects, simplifying systems and leveraging modern tooling to enhance performance and reliability in a dynamic software environment...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$105K - $150K *

Unlock potential by joining a dynamic Agile team to develop enterprise applications. Leverage cutting-edge AI tools to enhance coding efficiency and contribute to innovative software solutions that dr...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in developing and implementing advanced test solutions, ensuring high-quality product assembly through innovative design verification methodologies across multiple technical domains...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in managing complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive profitability and customer satisfaction while navigating challenges and fost...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$139K - $153K *

Shape innovative technology solutions by leading diverse teams to diagnose complex business challenges, strategizing impactful responses, and mentoring talent while delivering exceptional client value...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$147K - $245K *

Partner with us to lead complex M&A integrations, driving strategic outcomes and value realization across diverse teams. You'll enhance our integration capabilities while mentoring talent and fosterin...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$109K - $137K *

Drive innovation by optimizing DRAM and NAND test methodologies, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and quality while ensuring reliable testing processes and data...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver technology solutions, manage risks, and enhance operational support at the site level, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and continuous improvement in a...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$164K - $262K *

Take ownership of software architecture and development to create scalable, user-centric applications. Lead comprehensive development initiatives while optimizing performance and mentoring engineers i...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$140K - $180K *

Take ownership of complex software and DevOps engagements, leading multi-team efforts and ensuring successful delivery and commercial outcomes. Collaborate with clients and guide teams to achieve proj...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading a global Software Sustaining Engineering team. Drive software quality, resolve complex issues, and enhance existing products while collaborating across functions to meet bu...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team as you lead engineers in delivering high-quality technology. Drive performance, resource planning, and best practices across the SDLC while fostering a culture of collaboration and...

Livonia, MIRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$133K - $183K *

Transform operational technology initiatives by managing integrated portfolios, ensuring governance, funding, and seamless transitions to operations. Collaborate across teams to enhance reliability an...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information 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.