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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$180K - $230K *

Lead complex, multi-workstream technology programs, ensuring alignment across teams and delivering customer outcomes through strategic planning, execution, and governance. Drive program success by man...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$200K - $322K *

Lead the charge in optimizing infrastructure programs that power our cutting-edge EDA ecosystem. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and strategic planning, driving op...

Santa Clara, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$121K - $142K *

Elevate automation in software engineering by building AI-driven tools and systems. Collaborate with a focused team to enhance reliability and speed in package and image management, shaping the future...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $160K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on project management excellence. Lead initiatives, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive project success through effective planning and execution in...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Drive innovation in insurance technology by transforming Gosu customizations into Java. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable backend services and APIs, enhancing the Guidewire Cl...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$160K - $200K *

Drive the development of cutting-edge AI systems by leveraging your expertise in Go and Python. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize and refine scalable services, ensuring high performance and u...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$135K - $160K *

Lead cross-functional programs to enhance a high-performance cloud platform. Drive strategic initiatives, mentor teams, and improve engineering productivity while collaborating closely with software e...

New York City, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $175K *

Join us to develop scalable full-stack applications using React, TypeScript, and Java. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experience and contribute to best practices in a cloud-native microservi...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$224K - $431K *

Champion the advancement of open-source Linux kernel support for NVIDIA GPUs. Collaborate with global teams to develop virtualization features in Rust and C, driving technical proposals and enhancing...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Elevate your career by managing complex projects, ensuring effective execution and stakeholder alignment while leveraging Microsoft cloud solutions and methodologies to drive success and innovation...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$220K - $250K *

Drive the product roadmap for Unify Release Orchestration, enhancing developer experience while coordinating releases across multiple services, engaging customers, and leading initiatives for AI-nativ...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$132K - $182K *

Drive program execution across high-priority workstreams in Customer Outcomes, managing threat intelligence partnerships and AI model initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure tim...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of integrations by leading the product roadmap, enhancing API standards, and driving a scalable platform. Collaborate across teams to deliver an exceptional developer experience while...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$130K - $140K *

Lead the charge in managing complex IT projects, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional service. Collaborate with teams and stakeholders to drive successful outcomes while adhering to project manage...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Drive product success with your AI expertise, guiding teams to deliver impactful solutions. Own product strategy from roadmap to metrics, aligning cross-functional efforts to meet customer needs and b...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$140K - $180K *

Join a team that's dedicated to developing scalable software solutions, designing responsive UIs, and optimizing backend services. Collaborate across functions to drive innovation and champion best pr...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Innovate within the AI Platform team by designing and operating core components for AI-driven solutions, focusing on model serving, agentic infrastructure, or observability. Collaborate across teams t...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$225K - $338K *

Transform the future of AI security by leading the development of high-performance, low-latency applications in a multi-tenant B2B SaaS environment, while mentoring junior developers and driving innov...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$225K - $338K *

Transform cloud infrastructure for a cutting-edge AI security platform. Architect scalable solutions, optimize CI/CD pipelines, and ensure system reliability while leveraging serverless technologies a...

California, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$206K - $310K *

Join us to lead the development of high-performance, low-latency applications in a multi-tenant B2B SaaS environment, enhancing security and efficiency through innovative AI tools and collaborative ar...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Pioneer innovative eDiscovery solutions by managing complex projects, collaborating with legal teams, and mentoring staff. Ensure quality deliverables while exceeding client expectations through exper...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$90K - $110K *

Drive seamless client implementations by managing complex, multi-service projects. Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery and exceptional client experiences thr...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$148K - $215K *

Reimagine the future of financial engagement by leading innovative software development. Engage in full-stack responsibilities, collaborating across teams to enhance product experiences for educationa...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$160K - $180K *

Optimize system performance as a Senior Performance Engineer, focusing on latency and resource management. Collaborate with robotics teams to enhance high-throughput execution reliability and efficien...

Ann Arbor, MIRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$175K - $219K *

Elevate engineering excellence by guiding technical strategy and best practices across teams. Lead architectural vision, ensure reliability and security, and foster collaboration to build a cutting-ed...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 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.