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.
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
Product Manager - Foundation Engineering
$158K - $248K *
Champion the development of the product roadmap for Observability and Compute/Network teams, ensuring alignment with reliability goals, system health monitoring, and infrastructure management strategi...
3 weeks ago
Senior Backend Engineer - AI Platform
$121K - $145K *
Lead the design and development of high-performance web applications, integrating with backend services to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations across various platforms, focusing on...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (.NET/C#/Azure)
$120K - $145K *
Champion innovation by leading the development of a modern auction platform, collaborating across teams to deliver scalable, maintainable software solutions that enhance digital marketplace operations...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate with us as a Senior Software Engineer, driving core feature development and automation across the stack. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance scalability and performance in a dynamic, mi...
Reposted 1 week ago
Digital Solutions Development Manager
$125K - $150K *
Drive software engineering initiatives by leading teams to deliver innovative digital solutions. Define technology strategy, oversee development processes, and foster a culture of excellence and colla...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Empower your software engineering career by directing AI to deliver full-stack solutions. You'll manage end-to-end feature development, leveraging AWS and AI tools to enhance productivity and quality...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Take ownership of diverse projects, leading cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution, from planning to closure. Drive innovation and efficiency while managing budgets and stakeholder comm...
3 days ago
Senior Manager, Database Platform
$242K - $275K *
Lead and elevate the Database Platform team, driving data architecture, reliability, and team culture for scalable data solutions. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure data integrity and operation...
2 weeks ago
$119K - $202K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions that enhance our proprietary technology platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications while optimiz...
Today
$102K - $231K *
Empower innovation by delivering key technical features and mentoring teams. Collaborate across departments to enhance software quality and performance while driving the architectural direction of log...
Yesterday
$102K - $231K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative software solutions that enhance customer experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications while optimizing performance...
1 week ago
$190K - $225K *
Optimize system performance by building scalable, robust services. Collaborate across teams to design public APIs, ensuring high-quality integration for retailers. Mentor others and evolve solutions t...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Dev Ops
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cloud technology by architecting scalable infrastructures, automating CI/CD processes, and enhancing operational excellence through collaboration and innovation...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$115K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative web and cloud applications. In this role, you'll lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver hi...
Reposted 2 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer II - Byte POS
$131K - $164K *
Join a team that's redefining restaurant technology by building robust mobile applications. As a Senior Software Engineer II, you'll lead feature delivery, optimize performance, and collaborate across...
2 weeks ago
$225K - $265K *
Lead and mentor a diverse team of backend engineers in EDR remediation, transforming insights into actionable product capabilities while managing scope and fostering collaboration across engineering t...
Today
$104K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead critical BAS projects, ensuring seamless integration of automation systems and smart building solutions while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to meet project goals...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead backend development and API architecture, ensuring security, performance, and data integrity while collaborating with cross-functional teams and vendors to deliver robust solutions...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer II, Ads Data Solutions Engineering
$196K - $207K *
Design scalable data solutions, enhance off-platform integrations, and lead cross-team collaborations. Drive architecture modernization and AI-first initiatives while mentoring engineers and optimizin...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$138K - $173K *
Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality software delivery. Lead and mentor a team of engineers while optimizing processes and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous impro...
1 week ago
Machine Learning Engineering Manager
$232K - $303K *
Transform the user experience by leading innovative projects that enhance product functionality and drive customer satisfaction across diverse teams and platforms...
2 days ago
Senior/Staff Software Engineer (Platform and Execution Model)
$180K - $240K *
Transform the future of distributed systems by designing and building robust platform components. Collaborate with teams to ensure reliability and scalability in mission-critical environments, driving...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager, Strategic Projects
$97K - $109K *
Unlock potential by driving project execution and fostering collaboration across teams. Manage risks, enhance visibility, and support multiple initiatives to ensure timely delivery and continuous impr...
2 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Empower a dynamic team of engineers to innovate e-commerce solutions, driving growth through collaboration with product managers and stakeholders while leveraging AI to enhance development processes a...
4 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.