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.
$85K - $90K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of our Advisory platform. As a Product Manager, you'll drive product strategy, prioritize customer needs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure su...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining automation in PCB component placement. Lead the charge in developing and maintaining cutting-edge AI solutions, leveraging machine learning and optimization technologies...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$162K - $290K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge AI-driven safety solutions, leading firmware and full-stack initiatives. Collaborate across teams to shape technology strategy and deliver impactful products that...
2 weeks ago
Regulatory and Licensing Program Manager
$140K - $170K *
Explore the future of regulatory compliance by managing licensing applications from strategy to approval. Collaborate across teams to ensure timely execution while leveraging AI to streamline processe...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by leading technical execution of Electrification Solutions projects. Drive safety, quality, and customer satisfaction while managing resources and risks to ensure project succes...
2 days ago
Business Development Manager (Data Centers Vertical)
$150K - $200K *
Unlock potential by driving business growth in the Data Centers vertical, executing strategic go-to-market plans, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders to deliver innovative electrical inf...
1 week ago
Application Development Engineer
$124K - $195K *
Transform systems integration by designing and maintaining APIs, automating workflows, and optimizing SaaS tools. Collaborate across teams to streamline processes and provide technical support for com...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$164K - $226K *
Lead the charge in designing and evolving a robust entity data platform, ensuring accurate and timely data delivery while enhancing system reliability and reducing manual validation through innovative...
2 weeks ago
$164K - $226K *
Lead the charge in revolutionizing Excel with AI-driven insights, enhancing workflows for financial professionals using cutting-edge technology. Impact major decisions and mentor engineers in best pra...
4 weeks ago
Cloud Security Software Engineer
$115K *
Take ownership of innovative cloud security solutions by engineering autonomous AI tools that meet complex requirements, ensuring robust security and efficiency in high-velocity environments. Drive pr...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$86K - $124K *
Champion the future of project management by leading SAP initiatives, driving agile practices, and delivering innovative solutions that meet client needs while fostering team collaboration and continu...
Yesterday
Staff Product Manager - Data Products
$182K - $251K *
Join our team to lead the strategy and vision for innovative data products, enhancing our data platform and customer experiences. Collaborate across teams to drive exceptional insights and deliver sol...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$135K - $150K *
Unlock your potential by leading high-stakes proposals for public agencies in the rail and transit sector. Drive strategy, mentor teams, and craft compelling narratives to elevate project pursuits and...
2 weeks ago
$124K - $241K *
Join a visionary team to architect cloud networking solutions, drive innovation in DPU and NIC technologies, and collaborate with global experts to redefine data center architecture from hardware to a...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer II - LLM Observability
$183K - $206K *
Transform AI observability by developing end-to-end capabilities, architecting data models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user workflows and insights into agent performance...
1 week ago
Senior or Staff Software Engineer
$175K - $350K *
Advance your skills by tackling complex engineering challenges and driving impactful product development. Join a dynamic, hands-on environment where you have the freedom and responsibility to shape so...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Data Catalog & AI Readiness
$120K - $145K *
Lead the development of a data catalog for AI consumption, ensuring quality and accessibility. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to onboard domains, manage readiness assessments, and drive align...
Yesterday
Product Manager, File and Remit
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of tax compliance by building a scalable filing platform and remittance infrastructure, enabling seamless global transactions and automation for international sellers. Drive innov...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer Manager - Cloud Platform Products (Agentic Workloads) (Remote)
$140K - $240K *
Transform cloud platforms by leading teams to deliver seamless agentic workload solutions. Foster collaboration, drive innovation, and mentor engineers while shaping a culture of technical excellence...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Revenue Operations Manager
$104K - $176K *
Lead the charge in optimizing revenue operations by refining sales processes, enhancing forecasting accuracy, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive impactful solutions that support th...
2 weeks ago
$93K - $150K *
Optimize infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines to empower engineering teams in delivering AI-powered products efficiently. Collaborate closely with product and data engineers, leading projects from incep...
Today
Senior Engineering Manager - Grid
$165K - $253K *
Lead the charge in managing a project team focused on high voltage substations, overseeing design, analysis, and implementation to modernize the electric grid while ensuring projects meet client speci...
3 weeks ago
Software Engineer - AIM Virtualization
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of AI-driven database technology by tackling complex challenges. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance our virtualization platform and drive innovation in data management...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Program Dev/QC
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by managing diverse EV projects, ensuring successful delivery through collaboration, strategic planning, and effective stakeholder engagement. Drive project excellence while naviga...
2 weeks ago
Distinguished, Software Engineer - Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) Technology
$169K - $338K *
Drive innovation as a technical leader in designing scalable, cloud-native AI systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance operational excellence and mentor engineers, ensuring high standards in softw...
2 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.