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.
$95K - $149K *
Lead the charge in delivering complex product development projects by managing cross-functional teams, ensuring customer satisfaction, and driving operational excellence from initiation to delivery in...
2 weeks ago
$87K - $135K *
Join a team that's redefining user experience by developing cutting-edge IT Service Portal solutions. Collaborate in an Agile environment to enhance functionalities for 13,000 users, focusing on acces...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Image Build & Release
$229K - $260K *
Drive the technical direction for building and delivering containerized applications, ensuring reliability and security across deployments. Collaborate with teams to enhance automation and mentor engi...
Today
Senior Technical Project Manager
$93K - $139K *
Explore the intersection of technology and strategy as you drive complex, cross-functional initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance project delivery, leveraging AI tools to optimize proc...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of dental practice management by leading software development and strategy while optimizing user experiences and ensuring compliance as we expand into new markets, collaborating with...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Software Development Test Engineer (SDET), IOS
$110K - $130K *
Inspire your career by joining a dynamic team focused on mobile automation, designing frameworks and enhancing test coverage for iOS and Android apps. Collaborate closely with engineering and product...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Managing Engineer (Java Engineering)
$120K - $193K *
Join a team that's redefining software engineering excellence by leading high-performing teams in building and modernizing enterprise applications. Drive technical strategy, foster innovation, and ens...
1 week ago
Software Engineer II, Engineering
$125K - $145K *
Lead the charge in building impactful software features that enhance educators' management of English Learner programs, taking ownership from design to operation in a full-stack environment utilizing...
Reposted 3 days ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform the Digital Engagement portfolio by leading technical initiatives, driving scalable architectures, and mentoring engineering teams to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance c...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Champion project execution and client satisfaction by leading multiple teams of Project Managers, ensuring financial performance and operational excellence across various commercial accounts while opt...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$150K - $165K *
Bring your expertise to define and deliver enterprise integration products, optimizing data flow and connectivity across manufacturing environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager (Data Projects)
$120K - $125K *
Transform data analytics initiatives by leading multiple projects, engaging stakeholders, and driving solutions from inception to delivery. Collaborate with technical teams to ensure alignment with mi...
Today
Remote Progress Software Developer
$100K - $123K *
Elevate your career by developing innovative Progress applications that drive global logistics solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver high-quality software while supporting major projec...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Structural
$120K - $145K *
Join a pioneering team where you'll innovate software solutions for framing and structural analysis. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, set technical direction, and contribute to softwar...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Software Systems Engineer Principal
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of program management by leveraging your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovative solutions in a cloud-native envir...
Yesterday
Software Systems Engineer Principal
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of program management solutions. Leverage your software systems engineering expertise and product ownership skills to drive innovation and deliver high-quality, c...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's redefining cloud services for security appliances. You'll lead the development and operations of critical cloud services, ensuring compliance and driving migration from AWS to GCP w...
Today
$200K - $225K *
Transform the future of cloud commerce by leading the design and evolution of scalable, resilient systems that enhance platform reliability and drive innovation across teams and products...
2 days ago
Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture - Networking
$142K - $203K *
Design and optimize AI-ready networking infrastructures to support high-performance computing and data-intensive workloads. Collaborate with customers to assess, plan, and implement scalable solutions...
Reposted 4 days ago
Mid to Senior Software Developer, AI/ML 107-007
$110K - $130K *
Design and implement cutting-edge AI/ML solutions for enterprise systems, integrating multiple technologies to transform unstructured data into actionable insights and ensuring compliance throughout t...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, Systems and Infrastructure Engineering
$90K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining IT infrastructure by leading innovative solutions in systems engineering, cloud migration, and automation. Drive operational excellence while collaborating across teams t...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Partner Technology Architecture
$150K - $180K *
Champion partner growth by leading a high-performing team focused on pre-sales excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption. Drive business development and co-innovation while ensuring technical dis...
Yesterday
Principal Software Engineer, Team Lead - Perception Platforms
$240K - $330K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of machine learning by leading a high-performing group dedicated to optimizing data pipelines and enhancing perception modeling. Drive innovation and collaboratio...
4 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Help us shape innovative solutions by applying your software expertise and problem-solving skills. Your role is crucial in developing high-quality applications in a collaborative, agile environment, a...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Devops
$155K - $233K *
Shape the future of our infrastructure by architecting and building a hybrid Kubernetes platform. Lead hands-on initiatives across AWS, ensuring reliability and efficiency while collaborating with cro...
2 weeks 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.