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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Principal Product Manager, Product Development Platforms
$173K - $290K *
Champion innovation in product development platforms, driving strategy and execution for AI-first tools that enhance collaboration and efficiency across teams. Lead the evolution of platforms, ensurin...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in designing and building impactful backend services and APIs that enhance customer experiences across multiple products, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams in a dynamic...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$157K - $184K *
Drive impactful backend services and APIs for customer-facing platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance product features in a fast-paced, product-driven environment. Embrace qual...
2 weeks ago
Principal Product Manager, Java Intelligence
$175K - $250K *
Unlock your potential by leading product strategy for innovative Java solutions. Shape the future of enterprise SaaS with a focus on performance, optimization, and customer success. Collaborate with e...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Pioneer innovative solutions by leading complex transformation programs. Manage multi-million dollar budgets and drive effective program delivery, ensuring governance and seamless transitions across d...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
PMRT - Senior Software Engineer (Remote)
$140K - $160K *
Drive the development of critical enterprise applications for defense personnel, utilizing Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate in an agile team to enhance program and financial management tool...
Today
Senior Software Engineer, Integrated Workflows
$125K - $150K *
Optimize integration capabilities within a dynamic software environment, leading the design and implementation of robust APIs and services while mentoring team members and enhancing project workflows...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Project / Product Manager - Remote
$120K - $150K *
Shape the future of specialized federal projects by managing product delivery from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgets, and schedules while leading cross-fun...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Cloud Engineering
$163K - $224K *
Help us lead and develop a senior Cloud Engineering team focused on operational excellence, infrastructure stability, and impactful migration programs that drive growth and efficiency within our cloud...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$185K - $225K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of innovative project management, collaborating with scientists and engineers to drive complex client engagements. Your expertise will ensure successful delivery an...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer - Virtual Machines (RD222)
$125K - $150K *
Transform your career by owning complex software features that integrate virtual machines into a secure platform. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions while establishing strong eng...
Yesterday
Software Engineer, Integrations Delivery & Support
$148K - $190K *
Unlock your potential as you build and maintain integrations that connect security tools to enhance customer workflows. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, deliver, and support reliable solutio...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to overseeing personnel and operational execution across critical Navy training programs. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contracts, and ensure successful program del...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Automotive Partnerships
$136K - $160K *
Champion innovative software solutions by designing and building scalable integrations for automotive partnerships, collaborating across teams to enhance customer experiences and drive technical excel...
4 days ago
Chief Engineer Principal - Software
$118K - $204K *
Empower innovation as you lead software architecture for a cloud-native connected vehicle platform, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for...
2 days ago
Senior Technical Product Manager
$141K - $177K *
Join us to shape the future of cybersecurity by leading product vision and strategy for our innovative Autonomous and Continuous pentesting platform, driving impactful solutions that enhance security...
1 week ago
Program Manager, Tooling and Integrations
$190K - $234K *
Empower transformative initiatives as you manage strategic technical programs across engineering and operations, driving excellence in tooling and integrations while mentoring a high-performing team i...
3 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer - Virtualization
$171K - $288K *
Transform engineering productivity by leading cross-team strategies and architectures for embedded software. Drive measurable improvements in quality and release confidence while mentoring teams acros...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Software Engineer II - Agentic SDLC
$170K - $185K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading complex projects, mentoring engineers, and driving technical excellence across teams. Collaborate on strategic initiatives to enhance reliability and...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer, Platform & Developer Experience
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of engineering productivity by architecting tools and patterns that eliminate friction in development workflows, enhance performance, and mentor teams to elevate their technical skill...
2 weeks ago
$112K - $120K *
Optimize client success by leading end-to-end implementations for banks and credit unions, ensuring timely launches and measurable value through strategic guidance and cross-functional collaboration...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in managing complex ERP implementation projects, ensuring alignment between customer needs and internal resources. Drive project success through effective communication, risk managemen...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Drive the evolution of online educational platforms by collaborating with diverse teams, championing user needs, and managing product roadmaps to enhance the overall learning experience for students a...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Program Manager, Performance
$110K - $130K *
Optimize your career by leading the design and execution of performance management programs. Drive culture change through data-driven insights and AI-enabled tools, while collaborating across teams to...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of AI integration by leading complex projects, bridging technical teams and leadership. Drive Agile methodologies, manage risks, and ensure timely deliverables in a dynamic environmen...
3 days ago
What does a Software Development Manager do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.