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.
$145K - $170K *
Join a team that's shaping healthcare innovation through AI-driven voice solutions. Lead a distributed engineering team to deliver high-quality software and collaborate with cross-functional stakehold...
Reposted 1 week ago
$131K - $222K *
Shape the future of logistics by developing intelligent planning platforms that optimize freight movement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create scalable solutions that enhance supply chai...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer II - Platform
$154K - $260K *
Join a forward-thinking team to enhance user experiences through innovative AI solutions and full-stack development, impacting industries worldwide by improving workflows within the Samsara dashboard...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Technical Program Management
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in shaping a new Technical Program Management team, guiding TPMs to deliver impactful results while fostering collaboration across Engineering and Product. Drive strategic planning and...
1 week ago
Software Engineering Manager- Eng and Data Platforms (Remote)
$135K - $160K *
Empower a talented engineering team by overseeing operations, mentoring staff, and aligning product vision with business needs. Drive high-impact initiatives in a fast-paced environment while promotin...
Reposted today
Senior Director, Software Engineering
$145K - $190K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...
6 days ago
Senior Product Manager (Intuitial)
$158K *
Lead the charge in delivering impactful solutions for Veterans by managing a cross-functional agile team, driving product direction, and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders to enhance...
Today
Senior Creative Program Manager
$115K - $175K *
Lead the creative program management efforts, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality projects across various marketing initiatives. Drive process improvements and foster collaboration within a dynam...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Adaptive
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by taking ownership of complex software challenges. Drive real-time traffic optimization through innovative AI solutions, collaborating across teams to deliver scalable and reliable s...
3 weeks ago
$154K - $260K *
Transform edge AI solutions by leading a talented engineering team. Drive the strategy for embedded systems and machine learning, ensuring impactful deployment of intelligent safety features for real...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Business Technology Product Manager
$131K - $176K *
Shape the future of sales excellence by owning end-to-end seller experiences. You’ll optimize workflows, create impactful solutions, and directly influence our revenue systems through innovative produ...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$162K - $290K *
Contribute to building cutting-edge software systems that harness AI to solve real-world operational challenges. Drive technical strategy, collaborate across teams, and develop full-stack solutions in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading a technical team to enhance collaboration tools in a dynamic, cloud-based environment. Engage with federal clients, drive Agile practices, and ensure toolset efficiency...
3 weeks ago
$155K - $210K *
Lead complex programs and strategic client engagements, driving technology transformation and sustainable business value. Act as a trusted adviser to C-level stakeholders, shaping program vision and e...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Developer Infrastructure
$130K - $160K *
Transform your career by leading a high-impact Developer Infrastructure team. Drive technical strategy, enhance developer experience, and foster a culture of growth and accountability while collaborat...
1 week ago
$229K - $258K *
Empower a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative security tools. Own product development from roadmap to rollout, fostering collaboration and driving results in a fast-paced environment focuse...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager (RD165)
$135K - $160K *
Empower a talented engineering team to develop innovative airgap-native software solutions. Drive product success in National Defense by ensuring seamless integration with UDS, fostering collaboration...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential as a Technical Project Manager, driving software delivery timelines and ensuring seamless project execution with engineering and product teams. Foster strong stakeholder relation...
Today
Senior Engineering Manager, MSSP
$260K - $280K *
Innovate and lead the growth of a dynamic MSP/MSSP engineering team by driving scalable platform capabilities, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a culture of quality and collaboration wit...
4 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Champion innovation as a Senior Software Engineer, driving full-stack solutions and leveraging AI tools to enhance IT lifecycle management. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver impactful softwar...
Today
Senior Engineering Manager, Clients Team
$242K - $275K *
Lead the charge in developing and deploying robust containerized software, manage CI/CD workflows, and grow a cohesive engineering team to enhance customer security operations and software delivery ac...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Ads Manager
$168K - $177K *
Empower advertisers by leading high-impact projects that enhance campaign management, optimize platform health, and drive revenue growth through innovative backend services and APIs. Collaborate acros...
2 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive the evolution of a cutting-edge CI/CD platform, integrating AI tools and leading a team of DevOps engineers. Own production releases and implement modern delivery practices to enhance software d...
6 days ago
$100K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing innovative software solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate closely with teams to create high-quality applications while adapting to new tools and process...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize CI/CD pipelines and improve Azure infrastructure to enhance deployment and observability. Collaborate with teams, addressing performance issues while deploying critical products that elevate...
1 month 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.