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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$120K - $230K *

Transform the Life Science sector by driving new business and closing strategic deals. Leverage your expertise in IT solutions to engage with leading enterprises, develop sales strategies, and achieve...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leading a dynamic portfolio of Cybersecurity Services, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to manage budgets, risks, and project lifec...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$179K - $224K *

Unlock innovative solutions as you guide software engineering teams to navigate complexities and enhance integrations while mentoring diverse talents in a collaborative environment...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$135K - $160K *

Shape the future of geospatial science by leading the design and development of innovative data processing pipelines and APIs, while mentoring engineers and setting technical direction in a dynamic, m...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$130K - $160K *

Lead the development of robust blockchain data systems, enhancing performance and reliability. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful solutions that improve data quality and user experience while...

San Francisco, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$134K - $160K *

Shape the future of developer marketing by leading global initiatives that drive engagement and adoption. Collaborate across teams to create impactful campaigns and ensure a unified brand voice, trans...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$155K - $190K *

Empower the evolution of web-based services by architecting solutions that enhance user experiences and drive growth, leading cross-functional collaboration while mentoring engineers and establishing...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$180K - $215K *

Drive innovative web services through technical leadership and collaboration. Shape the architecture of scalable products, mentor engineers, and tackle challenging problems to enhance user experiences...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$95K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering complex automation projects, overseeing all phases from planning to closeout. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet safety, budget...

Reno, NVRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$182K - $263K *

Drive simulation operations by leading a hybrid team to execute high-quality tests, establish evaluation metrics, and enhance processes using AI for improved operational performance across virtual tes...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$120K - $145K *

Lead a dynamic engineering team to design and develop complex enterprise applications, ensuring high-quality delivery and technical excellence while mentoring developers and driving modernization effo...

Sterling, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of patient services by ensuring timely delivery of features and integrations. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational efficiency in a compliance-heavy environment, driving inn...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$92K - $116K *

Empower progress at the core of payment processing by developing and deploying production code. Collaborate with senior engineers to enhance transaction routing systems and gain hands-on experience in...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$175K - $190K *

Innovate the deployment process by leading two squads to ensure seamless integration and self-service capabilities for customers, driving measurable outcomes and enhancing product effectiveness in a d...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Take ownership of payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance while leading a team to deliver timely wage payments and manage tax obligations effectively across the organization...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $190K *

Join our team to lead quality engineering transformations across multiple platform portfolios, championing automation and innovation while developing exceptional engineering talent to elevate quality...

Virginia, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $134K *

Lead the charge in managing large-scale Data Center projects, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery and adherence to budget. Drive innovative AI implementations while overseein...

RemoteRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Elevate quality and automation efforts for enterprise deployments. Collaborate with customers and engineering to develop a robust QA function using agentic tooling, ensuring consistent environments an...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$124K - $156K *

Shape the future of AI Services by owning product strategy and execution. Collaborate with engineering teams to define agentic capabilities, drive tool strategies, and establish AI quality standards t...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $260K *

Elevate your career by leading complex, large-scale technical programs, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering collaboration across teams to achieve business objectives and enhance operational e...

Bentonville, ARRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $145K *

Drive impactful program management by leading cross-functional initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, and delivering measurable results in a dynamic environment. Collaborate effectively...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$179K - $341K *

Join a dynamic team to enhance C#/.NET integration for Unity Engine, driving performance and reliability. Collaborate with experts to deliver key technical solutions and advocate best practices for de...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative technical solutions, guiding customers through complex digital transformations, and enhancing software capabilities within a collaborative environ...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $129K *

Engage in leading diverse technical initiatives, ensuring projects meet client needs through effective planning, execution, and communication across teams to drive successful outcomes and customer sat...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $200K *

Lead and develop a high-performing engineering team, driving real-time financial infrastructure projects while fostering individual growth and establishing engineering standards for scalable practices...

CanadaRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.