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.
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Solutions Engineering
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Remote)
$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...
2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Data Services
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Developer Marketing Manager
$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...
Yesterday
Staff Software Engineer, Web Application Services
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Web Application Services
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Today
Manager, Simulation Operations
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Software Engineer- full stack Java
$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...
3 weeks ago
Technical Delivery Manager - Healthcare, Release Management & AI
$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...
4 days ago
Software Engineer II, Core Edge Processing
$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...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Integrations & Platform
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Today
Senior Manager, Quality Engineering
$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...
Reposted 1 week ago
Project & Program Management III
$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...
2 days ago
Software Engineer, Quality & Automation
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Distinguished, Technical Program Manager
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 days ago
Principal Software Engineer, Core Engine
$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...
1 week ago
Principal Customer Solutions Engineer
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
Today
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.