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.
$121K - $173K *
Shape the future of risk management by developing secure, scalable systems to combat fraud and enhance compliance. Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams to drive innovative solutions that...
1 month 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...
Today
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
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Query
$185K - $255K *
Elevate data management by designing scalable storage solutions and ingestion pipelines. Lead technical direction, optimize performance, and ensure reliable access to historical data for product teams...
6 days ago
$111K - $163K *
Join a team dedicated to driving successful IT project outcomes through effective management methodologies, ensuring on-time and on-budget completion while aligning with business goals and fostering c...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Technical Program Manager,
$204K - $266K *
Join us to lead complex technical programs, driving cross-functional collaboration and ensuring system reliability. You'll manage project lifecycles, influence engineering decisions, and create effect...
1 week ago
$104K - $170K *
Lead the charge in managing complex power systems studies projects for mission critical facilities, ensuring accurate execution, budget adherence, and client satisfaction while collaborating with inte...
Reposted 1 month ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead client-centric projects by overseeing delivery, communication, and strategic collaboration with teams to transform customer experiences cross-channel using innovative digital solutions...
4 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - R37
$101K - $206K *
Innovate with a team that's transforming healthcare through AI-driven software. Lead the development of scalable solutions, mentor engineers, and enhance workflows in a dynamic environment that impact...
2 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Observability Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading a high-impact engineering team focused on observability. Drive technical roadmaps, enhance platform reliability, and ensure operational excellence while collaborating with...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Play a key role in delivering impactful solutions by collaborating with product teams, driving architectural decisions, and enhancing shared services. Utilize your extensive experience to tackle compl...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Take ownership of the software development lifecycle, designing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance global health and environmental outcomes while collaborating with cross-functional te...
Today
Senior Software Development Engineer - Big Data
$156K - $262K *
Join a dynamic team to design and optimize scalable data pipelines and infrastructure, enabling analytics and AI-driven capabilities. Collaborate across functions to deliver high-quality data solution...
1 week ago
Senior Design Program Manager II
$167K - $176K *
Shape the future of design operations by driving program execution, leveraging AI for efficiency, and managing cross-functional partnerships to enhance creative workflows and deliver impactful design...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Design Program Manager II
$143K - $151K *
Drive operational excellence and program execution across design initiatives, leveraging AI to automate workflows and enhance collaboration. Build scalable systems and manage vendor relationships to e...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $187K *
Transform energy efficiency initiatives by leading a skilled engineering team. Drive project execution, mentor talent, and enhance program delivery across multiple states, ensuring impactful cost savi...
Today
Director, Software Development
$142K - $177K *
Lead the charge in transforming legacy applications into modern solutions. Drive software development excellence, foster team growth, and collaborate across departments to enhance customer experiences...
1 week ago
Sr Program Manager, Client Delivery
$155K - $180K *
Drive successful delivery of complex, multi-year programs in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage scope, budget, and timelines while ensuring client satisfaction an...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer II, Ads Data Solutions Engineering
$192K - $202K *
Lead the technical roadmap and modernize data solutions infrastructure, enhancing off-platform integrations and measurement capabilities while driving AI-first engineering initiatives and cross-team c...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineering - Autonomy Build & Integration
$115K - $164K *
Elevate your software engineering career as you lead projects, enhance CI/CD workflows, and mentor team members, ensuring high quality and reliability in our autonomous driving technology initiatives...
Reposted 1 week 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.