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.
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Engage with us to lead complex software initiatives, driving technical excellence and mentoring teams. You'll shape architecture, tackle challenges, and deliver high-performance solutions that support...
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Yesterday
$83K - $118K *
Unlock your potential by leading complex IT/SaaS projects, driving execution, and enhancing business processes. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure project success while utilizing Agile methodolo...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead and manage IT projects, ensuring successful delivery and alignment with organizational goals. Oversee planning, execution, and communication while collaborating across teams to meet project miles...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$143K - $286K *
Champion innovative platform engineering initiatives, delivering scalable, cloud-native solutions while driving the full software development lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enha...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Full Stack (Java)
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Innovate and lead as a Senior Software Engineer, driving full-stack solutions and mentoring talent. Collaborate with teams to enhance software processes, ensuring high-quality delivery and technical e...
Yesterday
$170K - $250K *
Lead the charge in building high-throughput systems as you manage a team of engineers. Drive technical excellence and team growth while collaborating across functions to deliver innovative solutions i...
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Senior Product Manager, Device Experience
$130K - $219K *
Drive the vision for Samsara device installations, enhancing user experiences and ensuring rapid, accurate setups. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the install process, making impac...
Reposted 1 week ago
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Join a dynamic team as you champion quality across the SDLC, promoting best practices in testing. Collaborate cross-functionally to build and scale automated test suites, ensuring reliability and perf...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, AI Automation
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Drive innovation by leading the design and delivery of AI agents and workflows that enhance operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex challenges into scalabl...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer, AI Automation
$130K - $195K *
Join a dynamic AI Automation team to design and deliver production-grade AI agents and workflows, enhancing operational efficiency across the organization while solving complex business challenges wit...
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Sr Manager, Technical Program Manager - 220755
$135K - $160K *
Transform complex technical programs by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery and fostering collaboration. Leverage your expertise to drive innovation and enhance productivity throu...
3 days ago
$115K - $140K *
Oversee large-scale industrial automation projects from concept to commissioning. Lead cross-functional teams, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and quality standards while mentoring future...
3 days ago
$129K - $193K *
Innovate exceptional customer experiences by managing complex global deployments, leveraging expertise in HCM, Payroll, and Financial solutions while enhancing methodologies through effective stakehol...
Reposted yesterday
Software Engineering Manager (Java & Python)
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Elevate legal operations by leading the development and integration of innovative technology solutions. This hands-on role combines software engineering with strategic leadership, focusing on AI-drive...
2 weeks ago
Principal, Technical Program Manager
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Drive engineering excellence as a Principal Technical Program Manager, leading initiatives that enhance reliability and operational performance across thousands of engineers while collaborating with c...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Software Safety Engineer
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Engineer your career with a Senior Software Safety Engineer role focused on developing safety-critical autonomous systems. Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to enhance software safety process...
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$200K - $300K *
Contribute to the technical direction and architectural excellence by leading large-scale initiatives, mentoring engineers, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver high-impact software solutio...
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Senior Engineering Manager, Agent Platform & Growth
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Join a team that's redefining the onboarding experience for human and AI agents by leading innovative UX and engineering teams. Drive growth through strategic roadmap ownership, hands-on leadership, a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Join us to architect and lead the development of scalable fintech solutions. As a technical leader, you'll drive innovation, mentor teams, and ensure architectural integrity while shaping the future o...
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$200K - $250K *
Transform the architectural vision of a fintech platform by leading the design and implementation of scalable systems. Drive technical excellence and mentor teams to innovate and enhance the financial...
2 weeks ago
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Drive product development by leading a senior engineering pod to deliver high-quality software for city permitting and community operations, leveraging AI tools and coding agents to enhance efficiency...
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Global Product Owner Autonomous Coding
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$100K - $110K *
Drive successful project delivery by leading cross-functional teams, managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder engagement. Ensure alignment with business objectives and quality standards throughout...
1 week ago
Manager - CX Microsoft Engineering
$150K - $225K *
Lead the charge in mentoring a high-performing software development team, driving technical vision and process improvements while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering collaborati...
Today
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.