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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$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

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

$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...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Quebec, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Alexandria, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Redwood City, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Wisconsin, USRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$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...

Mountain View, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

Milford, MIRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Orlando, FLRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

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

$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...

New York, NYRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

Virginia, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information 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.