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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$140K - $170K *

Execute complex, cross-functional initiatives while navigating ambiguity and redefining operational models. Your strategic insights and leadership will propel projects to success and enhance overall o...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$138K - $165K *

Elevate your career by leading complex product initiatives across technical domains. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic direction into actionable plans, ensuring measurable out...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$150K - $180K *

Take ownership of the technical strategy for a pioneering AI-native platform, making critical engineering decisions that influence the organization's future while mentoring a team to elevate overall t...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$160K - $180K *

Lead the charge in driving agile execution across product and engineering teams, managing digital product launches and enhancing client value through innovative solutions. Collaborate cross-functional...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$120K - $130K *

Innovate the future of cloud platforms by leading the design and operation of a secure, scalable infrastructure. Drive automation and enhance developer experience while collaborating with cross-functi...

Toronto, ONRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$100K - $120K *

Lead a skilled team of developers to maintain and enhance production software. Manage defect resolution, and release cycles while ensuring quality standards and AI integration. Drive team performance...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$151K - $251K *

Drive the planning and execution of Flight Software development programs, ensuring seamless coordination between engineering and program management for timely delivery of spacecraft software systems...

Palo Alto, CARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$174K - $273K *

Lead the charge in a high-impact Growth team, managing and mentoring engineers, optimizing delivery, and driving product strategy to enhance customer acquisition and engagement efficiently...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$105K - $120K *

Join a team that's driving successful ERP and CRM software implementations. Lead projects, coordinate teams, and ensure timely delivery while achieving sales and profit targets. Collaborate with stake...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Drive the technical vision for mobile app development, mentoring a team while ensuring high-quality releases and innovative solutions aligned with public safety missions. Work on complex Android archi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$200K - $245K *

Champion innovative software solutions by leading the design and implementation of scalable systems and APIs. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences while mentoring engineers and driving...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$208K - $306K *

Join a team that's redefining engineering excellence by leading platform services that enhance software development. Drive innovation, consolidate capabilities, and foster a culture of collaboration t...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$113K - $191K *

Innovate by designing and operating scalable data infrastructure for petabytes of data, enabling customer-facing features and analytics across global industries, while enhancing systems for reliabilit...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $140K *

Optimize web application development by leading design and implementation using .NET Core, ASP.NET, and Angular. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior developers, and ensure code quality while leverag...

CanadaRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Drive the product vision and strategy, owning the lifecycle from discovery to launch, focusing on scalability and performance in a cloud-based platform. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure innovat...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $145K *

Shape the future of endpoint management by crafting secure, high-performance software solutions in C# and .NET. Collaborate on architectural design and drive the delivery of innovative product capabil...

Dallas, TXRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in a core banking modernization initiative, managing day-to-day operations, navigating ambiguity, and building relationships across teams to ensure project success and stakeholder enga...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

Lead the Mobile Development Productivity team, setting technical strategy and enhancing mobile app development efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle challenges and drive innova...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$170K - $200K *

Shape the future of financial technology by developing seamless web applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create high-quality software that enhances user experience and drives strategic inn...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$130K - $198K *

Lead the charge in building AI platform capabilities that power next-gen experiences, enabling teams to create scalable systems and multi-step workflows. Collaborate with engineers to develop reliable...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$195K - $257K *

Join a team that's enhancing blockchain infrastructure to enable scalable microservices and APIs. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation in payment systems and blockchain technology while ensuri...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$150K - $180K *

The Security Program Manager will be responsible for securing OpenAI's critical product launches by coordinating security reviews and managing risks across cross-functional teams. This role ensures th...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $200K *

Join a dynamic team to build scalable web applications and APIs, leveraging modern technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions that enhance business workflows...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$466K - $500K+*

Accelerate progress at the forefront of ML infrastructure, collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement user-centric solutions that enhance model development and deployment for di...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$140K - $240K *

Lead the development of innovative software solutions while mentoring a talented engineering team. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to enhance product quality and drive strategic vendor rela...

Georgia, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

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.