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.
Senior Product Manager | Applied AI
$135K - $160K *
Champion the vision and strategy for AI-powered products, driving their roadmap and delivery while mentoring peers. Leverage AI tools to enhance decision-making and product lifecycle management, ensur...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer II, Mobile - Revenue Experimentation (AI Native)
$118K - $216K *
Unlock growth through AI-native engineering expertise to design and ship monetization experiments. Lead the enhancement of mobile user experiences for a vast user base by collaborating across teams an...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join our dynamic team as you lead Methods and Insights, driving engineering excellence through effective people management, operational delivery, and innovative system building. Empower engineers to t...
1 week ago
$100K - $140K *
Deliver impactful project leadership in a multi-phase AI integration program, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals while fostering collaboration across technical and leadership...
2 days ago
Sr Principal Technical Program Manager - Enterprise and Emerging
$229K - $299K *
Help us transform our enterprise programs by orchestrating complex cross-functional initiatives and delivering measurable outcomes while driving clarity in ambiguity and fostering strong relationships...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Developer - Workforce AI, IT AI COE
$106K - $159K *
Help us build and innovate workforce AI platforms, integrating advanced systems and analytics to enable seamless AI adoption and enhance productivity across the enterprise. Drive measurable impact and...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Project Manager - Connectivity
$120K - $140K *
Transform your career by leading complex design change projects from inception to execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage substantial budgets, and drive innovation in a fast-paced e...
Yesterday
Staff Software Engineer, AI Inference Gateway
$180K - $220K *
Champion infrastructure innovations by owning the AI Gateway system end-to-end, making pivotal decisions on performance, scaling, and model integrations within a high-impact engineering team...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer (Remote)
$135K - $190K *
Innovate scalable, cloud-native APIs with .NET and Java/Kotlin. Lead architecture discussions, enhance core offerings, and collaborate across teams to deliver high-value system components in a dynamic...
2 days ago
Senior Fullstack Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Contribute to our innovative health tech solutions as a Fullstack Software Engineer, enhancing user experience through scalable applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive impactful...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer II - Enterprise Foundations
$192K - $202K *
Lead the charge in architecting and integrating complex systems for a scalable retail platform. Drive multi-quarter projects, collaborate across teams, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring high...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Tooling & Automation
$125K - $135K *
Architect a unified operational dashboard connecting diverse alert systems to streamline monitoring and enhance triage efficiency, ensuring critical alerts are prioritized and effectively routed...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Developer Experience
$193K - $309K *
Pioneer innovative developer experiences by setting technical direction and enhancing workflows. Collaborate across teams to design solutions that empower engineers, leveraging AI to redefine software...
1 week ago
$68K - $94K *
Manage client relationships and contracts, ensuring alignment with technical standards. Foster cross-departmental collaboration and oversee service delivery, driving customer satisfaction and retentio...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Transform client engagements by leading cross-functional teams to deliver automation solutions on time and within budget, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and high-quality standards throug...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Enablement
$150K - $185K *
Champion the development of high-trust engineering teams while managing intake, capacity planning, and operational excellence. Drive delivery and foster collaboration across functions to meet evolving...
Yesterday
$110K - $150K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing product strategies for Benefits, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and deliver customer value through data-driven insights and aut...
2 weeks ago
$103K - $181K *
Lead the charge in implementing comprehensive security measures for a large-scale defense project, ensuring the protection of personnel, facilities, and sensitive information while collaborating with...
Today
Lead Software Engineer - Digital Platforms
$165K - $195K *
Transform the web ecosystem by leading technical strategy and architecture across WordPress and Drupal platforms. Engage hands-on with coding while mentoring engineers and managing stakeholder expecta...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $170K *
Join a team that's redefining data management by spearheading product innovation. Your insights will guide the development of user-centric software solutions, shaping the platform that empowers busine...
3 weeks ago
$185K *
Accelerate software development by leading a team of engineers, driving technical strategy, and ensuring delivery of scalable, customer-focused solutions with operational excellence...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Manager/Senior Manager, Autonomous Enterprise Consulting
$135K - $160K *
Transform client businesses by leading AI strategy and implementation. Drive impactful consulting engagements, build trusted relationships, and leverage emerging technologies to deliver measurable out...
Yesterday
Manager/Senior Manager, Autonomous Enterprise Consulting
$135K - $160K *
Lead transformative AI consulting engagements, driving business value through innovative strategies and solutions. Collaborate with clients to assess processes, develop roadmaps, and implement AI tech...
2 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in optimizing project management processes for a VHA client team. Utilize your expertise to enhance strategic planning, decision-making, and execution while collaborating with senior s...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Development Engineering
$106K - $284K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team to build scalable, cloud-native solutions within the Salesforce ecosystem, driving innovation across key business areas like Marketing, Sales...
Reposted 1 week 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.