Explore Software Development Manager Jobs

Software Development Managers lead engineering teams that design, build, test, and maintain software products and platforms. They connect technical execution with business priorities, helping teams deliver reliable, valuable software while fostering an environment where engineers can do their best work. Explore vetted Software Development Manager opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Software Development Manager Do?

Responsibilities vary by company and team, but commonly include hiring and developing engineers, setting goals and delivery plans, coordinating projects, and partnering with product, design, security, and operations teams. Managers may also guide architecture and technical decisions, monitor quality and delivery risks, and communicate progress to stakeholders. The balance between people leadership and hands-on technical work depends on the organization.

Skills and Qualifications Employers Look For

Employers often seek experience leading software teams and delivering production systems, along with a strong understanding of software development practices. Helpful strengths include coaching and feedback, project planning, prioritization, clear communication, and cross-functional collaboration. Familiarity with areas such as cloud platforms, distributed systems, DevOps, security, or agile methods may be important depending on the role.

Career Paths and Opportunities

Software Development Managers work across industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and enterprise services. Experienced leaders may progress to senior engineering management, director or vice president roles, or broader technology leadership positions. Some also move into product-focused or technical strategy roles, drawing on their experience guiding teams and delivering software.

Find Your Next Software Development Manager Role

Use Ladders to explore Software Development Manager openings with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare role scope, team responsibilities, technical expectations, and compensation details to identify opportunities that fit your leadership experience and career goals. Tailor your resume to highlight team outcomes, delivery impact, and the scale or complexity of the systems you have helped build.

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1
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$80K - $120K *

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and develop user-centric web applications, integrating AI-driven insights for high-stakes decision-making workflows while ensuring performance and sec...

Virginia, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $160K *

Join our dynamic team to design and develop cutting-edge AI platforms, enhancing decision-making workflows through innovative web applications and robust backend services. Collaborate across the full...

Virginia, USRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Join a dynamic team to design and develop a next-gen AI platform, focusing on intelligent agent frameworks and modern web applications. Collaborate across the full stack to enhance decision-making wor...

Virginia, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$148K - $193K *

Join a dynamic team as a Program Manager, leading complex projects from inception to completion. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, manage resources, and drive innovation while ensuring client sat...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$129K - $217K *

Join a team that shapes innovative web and mobile applications while mentoring peers and advocating for best practices in a collaborative environment. Lead projects from design to delivery and impact...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver results on time while effectively co...

Arkansas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $190K *

Transform the future of software development by building scalable, AI-augmented solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance stability, engage in code reviews, and stay ahead of emerging tech...

Toronto, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$95K - $115K *

Take ownership of impactful projects, designing and implementing robust backend systems with a high-performing team. Collaborate, innovate, and contribute to a culture of speed, quality, and continuou...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$204K - $290K *

Lead the technical strategy of a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality project delivery while fostering collaboration across product development. Advocate for best practices in code and operational proc...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $160K *

Shape the future of software development by designing and implementing scalable applications while integrating advanced AI solutions and enhancing system architectures to meet enterprise needs and ens...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$195K - $315K *

Drive innovation by architecting next-gen virtual-platform solutions for AI SOCs. Lead a technical team to deliver high-quality simulation models, enabling early software development and ensuring firs...

Santa Clara, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$157K - $184K *

Engineer and elevate our core product by developing innovative features, tools, and infrastructure while collaborating closely with a dedicated team to maintain high-quality standards and drive techni...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Develop and enhance software solutions, collaborating with senior developers to ensure alignment with industry standards and methodologies. Engage in all phases of the development process while workin...

Warren, MIRemote

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$162K - $224K *

Unlock potential by leading cross-functional software initiatives and shaping program delivery for high-impact Auto Retail projects. Collaborate closely with teams and harness your technical expertise...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$137K - $185K *

Lead enterprise AI engineering, driving impactful AI applications from concept to governed production. Empower teams with innovative AI solutions while ensuring quality, compliance, and operational ex...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading architecture in sales and implementations. Collaborate with clients and teams to drive technical excellence, enhance projects, and innovate solutions across multiple platfo...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $155K *

Oversee complex project delivery, ensuring alignment with client goals and financial control. Lead cross-functional teams, manage risks, and drive proactive actions for successful outcomes using estab...

Toronto, ONRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$195K - $307K *

Take ownership of critical technical programs, transforming strategic business objectives into actionable systems solutions while leading cross-functional teams to optimize and enhance platform perfor...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your impact by leading innovative software projects, mentoring talent, and enhancing system resilience. You’ll drive technical excellence and collaboration, shaping our product's evolution in...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$140K - $200K *

Transform backend systems by leveraging Java and Kotlin to enhance patch management capabilities for millions of endpoints. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, high-quality so...

Texas, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Pioneer cross-functional programs, managing teams to deliver crucial initiatives. Drive alignment across departments, enhance operational excellence, and elevate program delivery practices while track...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $240K *

Lead the charge in engineering excellence by mentoring talent, driving scalable solutions, and fostering collaboration across teams. Partner with stakeholders to align technical direction and deliver...

Georgia, USRemote

4 days ago

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

$160K - $220K *

Shape the future of project management by leading high-stakes engagements, driving AI adoption, and ensuring quality deliverables in a dynamic, remote-compatible environment. Collaborate with diverse...

San Jose, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Unlock the potential of NetBox Delivery by leading software design, enhancing production reliability, and mentoring engineers. Shape the technical direction and ensure seamless deployment on Cloud and...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$205K - $285K *

Transform the on-premises CI/CD landscape by enhancing reliability, simplifying installations, and driving technical strategy. Collaborate with teams to build tools that empower engineers and ensure s...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Software Development Manager do?question toggle

    A Software Development Manager leads software engineers and coordinates the planning, development, and delivery of software. The role typically combines team leadership, project execution, stakeholder communication, and technical oversight.

  • What qualifications are commonly required for Software Development Manager jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary, but employers commonly look for a background in software engineering, experience delivering production software, and a record of leading or mentoring technical teams. Some roles also request experience with specific platforms, architecture, or development methods.

  • How much do Software Development Manager jobs pay?question toggle

    Compensation varies based on location, industry, company size, experience, and role scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, so explore current listings for salary information and details.

  • What skills are important for a Software Development Manager?question toggle

    Important skills often include people management, coaching, prioritization, project planning, communication, and cross-functional collaboration. Technical judgment and familiarity with the organization’s software stack and delivery practices are also valuable.

  • What career growth can follow a Software Development Manager role?question toggle

    Potential paths include senior engineering manager, director of engineering, vice president of engineering, or other technology leadership roles. Career options depend on a person's strengths, experience, and the organization’s structure.