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.
Sr. Software Engineer II, DevEx
$154K - $260K *
Develop AI-driven workflows to enhance CI/CD systems, ensuring safe, efficient software delivery. Collaborate with teams to reduce tech debt and improve production reliability while scaling engineerin...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Take ownership of a fully distributed engineering team, driving delivery, quality, and growth while fostering a culture of communication and continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional p...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Lead a distributed engineering team to deliver high-quality software solutions. Foster a culture of ownership and continuous improvement while collaborating with cross-functional partners to drive bus...
Today
$125K - $150K *
Empower a high-performing engineering team to build and deliver innovative software solutions. Lead architecture decisions, ensure code quality, and enhance production health while cultivating team gr...
1 month ago
Senior Manager, Software Development
$145K - $225K *
Lead the charge in software development, driving innovation and collaboration across teams. Oversee strategic planning and team development to enhance product quality and efficiency, while fostering a...
6 days ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering - AI
$190K - $215K *
Transform cloud-based engineering strategies as you lead teams in creating innovative AI-powered automation solutions, ensuring quality and scalability while promoting a dynamic and collaborative cult...
Reposted 3 days ago
Supervisor, Software Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in software innovation while mentoring a high-performing engineering team. Drive technical solutions and ensure project success through hands-on involvement, fostering a culture of con...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Advance program execution by leading cross-functional teams to deliver AI initiatives. Collaborate with remote developers, manage Agile processes, and ensure alignment with business goals while drivin...
Today
Software Engineering Manager, Billing
$150K - $180K *
Champion the evolution of our billing systems by leading a dynamic engineering team. Drive strategy, ensure accuracy, and collaborate across departments to enhance customer trust as we scale our usage...
2 days ago
Manager, Software Engineering - Remote
$110K - $130K *
Lead and inspire a dynamic team in delivering high-quality Pega projects. Oversee project execution, foster continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with business goals while mentoring team member...
Yesterday
Senior Software Engineer - Rapid Development Team
$180K - $200K *
Champion the design and development of AI-driven security solutions, enhancing autonomous investigation capabilities while collaborating with cross-functional teams to address customer needs and impro...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$180K - $240K *
Empower teams to innovate in residential construction software by leading high-performing engineering groups, fostering Agile practices, and enhancing project management for builders and homeowners al...
2 weeks ago
Principal Software Development Engineer
$150K - $214K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing enterprise Finance solutions, optimizing processes, and driving global transformation initiatives through innovative technology and collaboration with sta...
1 week ago
Program Manager of Technical Development
$140K - $185K *
Drive technical excellence by developing standards and processes for commissioning, ensuring consistent execution across projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workforce capabili...
Yesterday
Technical Program Manager, Digital Test $ Evaluation
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading Digital Test & Evaluation initiatives that integrate modern software solutions into defense workflows, enhancing efficiency and data-driven decision-making across the T&E l...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Explore the potential of AI in full-stack development while designing and delivering enterprise applications. Collaborate across teams and mentor engineers, ensuring your expertise shapes cutting-edge...
3 weeks ago
$175K - $185K *
Lead high-performing software engineering teams to modernize customer-facing applications, enhance operational efficiency, and drive AI-enabled practices, ensuring alignment with business objectives a...
2 weeks ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Drive innovation as you lead the design and deployment of scalable AI-native platforms, blending advanced technologies with enterprise systems. Collaborate across teams to ensure high performance and...
1 week ago
Lead Software Development Engineer
$133K - $190K *
Join a team that's driving Mergers & Acquisitions success by leading Dynamics 365 configuration and customization efforts. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize business processes and ensure seaml...
1 week ago
$120K - $130K *
Transform your career by designing and delivering complex full-stack solutions using Java, Spring Boot, and Angular. Collaborate with teams to enhance engineering quality and lead technical initiative...
1 week ago
$125K - $155K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing scalable systems. Collaborate on complex projects, mentor peers, and drive technical excellence while contributing to impactf...
3 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Engineer high-quality software solutions while mentoring teams and setting technical standards. Drive innovation in cloud-native products and enhance developer capabilities through hands-on leadership...
3 days ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$132K - $264K *
Drive payment platform innovation by leading engineering teams to enhance architecture, operational efficiency, and compliance in complex systems while mentoring talent and ensuring alignment with bus...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$143K - $286K *
Lead the charge in developing high-quality software and AI systems, ensuring strategic alignment and operational excellence across teams while championing DevOps practices and cloud optimization effor...
4 weeks ago
$180K - $229K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of insurance technology by leading engineering efforts, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance product effectiven...
3 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.