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.
$100K - $120K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team of Front-End developers, leveraging your expertise in React and TypeScript to build impactful web products for small businesses while guiding technical decisions a...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, Modeling Platform
$181K - $250K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the evolution of a comprehensive modeling platform. Drive the technical strategy and collaborate with cross-functional teams to create self-service frameworks that enhance...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $120K *
Elevate your career by managing IT operations, vendor relationships, and internal projects. Lead endpoint management and ensure service quality while driving technology transitions and compliance init...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager/Senior Financial System Analyst
$140K - $160K *
Deliver impactful financial management solutions by leading a team of 8-10 professionals in federal financial systems. Engage with stakeholders to analyze data, support decision-making, and ensure suc...
3 days ago
Manager, Simulation Infrastructure
$181K - $263K *
Manage and develop a high-performing engineering team while overseeing deployment, scaling, and operational health of cloud infrastructure. Drive architectural design of APIs and ensure platform relia...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$160K - $193K *
Shape the future of autonomous vehicle testing by leading a team to develop and implement innovative test strategies, ensuring safety and performance standards are met across multiple vehicle programs...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technical Success Manager
$125K - $150K *
Empower top-tier enterprise customers by architecting secure development practices and guiding complex DevSecOps transformations. Serve as a trusted advisor to drive adoption, retention, and measurabl...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Program Manager - Data Security & Information Governance
$135K - $178K *
Transform data governance by leading initiatives that bridge legal compliance, data security, and technology operations. Drive innovative self-service workflows while ensuring compliance across divers...
Reposted today
$250K - $275K *
Drive the transformation of banking by guiding product strategies for an innovative Banking as a Service platform, ensuring alignment across teams to deliver impactful financial solutions...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Help us deliver innovative environmental design projects by leading cross-functional teams through all phases from planning to implementation, ensuring alignment, managing risks, and achieving client...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Modernization
$97K - $122K *
Optimize legacy systems by implementing cloud-native architectures and AI-driven solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to reduce technical debt and enhance code quality, ensuring sustaina...
4 weeks ago
Manager, Mainframe Systems Programming
$102K - $148K *
Lead the charge in managing Mainframe Systems Programming teams, ensuring project alignment and team development. Drive performance through mentoring, risk management, and effective communication whil...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $121K *
Champion legal operations excellence by driving process improvements, metrics establishment, and AI integration to enhance workflow efficiencies and support the Legal team in dynamic, fast-paced envir...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Product Manager, Platform and Shared Capabilities
$120K - $145K *
Transform product capabilities by leading strategy and execution for shared workflows, ensuring seamless integration and user experience across platforms. Drive measurable outcomes through customer in...
3 days ago
Principal Cloud Operations Manager
$165K - $248K *
Lead enterprise-scale operations for cloud services, ensuring performance and customer satisfaction. Drive a multidisciplinary team, manage service transitions, and leverage data-driven metrics to enh...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Tenant
$285K - $320K *
Lead the charge in delivering Honeycomb Private Cloud, driving product growth, and collaborating across teams to enhance operational processes while building a high-performing engineering team to supp...
1 week ago
Senior Product Development Manager
$120K - $135K *
Transform the insurance landscape by leading product innovation and development initiatives, enhancing personal Property products to meet member needs and drive profitable growth while ensuring market...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate software delivery by managing the release lifecycle, coordinating cross-functional teams, and driving efficiencies through advanced tooling. Utilize program management expertise to ensure reli...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$135K - $160K *
Innovate your career by leading the development of backend systems and APIs that empower customer interactions. Collaborate across teams to drive technical solutions and mentor engineers, ensuring sea...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$205K - $231K *
Join a team that's redefining software supply chain security. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll lead backend system design, API development, and cross-team collaboration, driving impactful solution...
1 week ago
$180K - $200K *
Elevate the engineering department by driving delivery, managing teams, and ensuring production quality. Lead hands-on development while fostering innovation in AI-driven systems to enhance operationa...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the evolution of cloud and DevOps solutions, driving automation and best practices while enhancing software delivery efficiency and reliability for impactful global initiatives...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Program Management
$104K - $202K *
Lead the charge in workforce transformation programs, driving strategy, governance, and execution across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance manager readiness and associate experience, ens...
Today
$114K - $156K *
Manage and oversee Shopify development projects from inception to launch, collaborating with clients and a team of developers. Ensure quality deliverables while juggling multiple projects and adapting...
3 days ago
Senior Technical Project Manager
$110K - $130K *
Transform the onboarding experience for enterprise customers by leading seamless implementations, balancing technical demands with stakeholder communication, and driving effective project management t...
Reposted 3 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.