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.
$75K - $115K *
Optimize project delivery by supporting automation and control systems from execution to closeout. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, budget, and schedule adherence while devel...
Today
$75K - $110K *
Engage in the successful delivery of automation projects, supporting execution through commissioning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, budget, and schedule adherence while de...
Today
Engineering Manager, Dedicated Infrastructure
$152K - $259K *
Join a team that's redefining infrastructure management by leading a dedicated group focused on high availability, security, and automation. Drive innovation while mentoring talent and enhancing opera...
2 weeks ago
$165K - $185K *
Invent the future of fintech by leading the development of next-gen payment systems. Utilize your expertise to mentor others and enhance our platform, driving innovation and maintaining high standards...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Join us to develop and enhance algorithms for cutting-edge AI solutions. Collaborate with engineers and architects to transform innovative ideas into production-ready code, ensuring high-quality stand...
2 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer (Integrations)
$164K - $200K *
Shape the future of software integration by leading a team to develop a robust ERP connector framework, ensuring data integrity and seamless communication between systems while driving architectural d...
3 days ago
$86K - $137K *
Optimize project outcomes as you manage small to medium-sized initiatives. Collaborate across teams, navigate risks, and ensure timely delivery of quality solutions while enhancing communication and s...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Advance software development by leading projects, mentoring engineers, and architecting solutions. Collaborate across teams to enhance performance and functionality while staying updated on technology...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Oversee the design and development of clinical databases while ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met. Collaborate across teams to provide technical support and mentor team members...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Workforce Experience Consulting Manager
$150K - $180K *
Transform your career by leading strategic workforce enablement initiatives. As a Senior Manager, you'll collaborate with senior executives, shape learning strategies, and drive impactful change acros...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to innovate and deliver high-quality software solutions. Collaborate in an Agile environment, leveraging modern technologies to enhance product functionality and customer satisfact...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Mission Systems
$110K - $130K *
Lead the development of software systems for autonomous aviation, managing architecture, integration, and performance across airborne, ground, and cloud environments to enhance operation and reliabili...
3 weeks ago
Senior Program Manager, AI Programs
$114K - $165K *
Transform AI initiatives by establishing a scalable operating model that integrates cross-functional teams, enhances stakeholder collaboration, and drives transparency in roadmaps and reporting for a...
3 days ago
Senior Program Manager, Employee Experience
$143K - $194K *
Pioneer innovative strategies for a Virtual First work stream, enhancing employee effectiveness through technology and research. Lead cross-functional initiatives, manage complex programs, and drive m...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Program Manager, Employee Experience
$128K - $173K *
Drive employee effectiveness by managing a strategic Virtual First work stream. Focus on tool optimization, AI enablement, and cross-functional collaboration to create scalable organizational change a...
Reposted 2 days ago
Program Manager, Strategic Customer Delivery
$108K - $156K *
Join a dynamic team as you oversee complex software deployments, ensuring governance and stakeholder engagement across multiple sites. Drive successful outcomes for strategic customers while managing...
Yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Elevate project delivery by leading cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives. Transform complex requirements into actionable plans while ensuring alignment across stakeholders and enhan...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate product strategy and delivery in an evolving security landscape. Own roadmap execution, collaborate with engineering, and engage with customers to build trust and drive innovation. Measure...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer- Rust / C++
$94K - $176K *
Drive innovation in document processing by leading high-impact projects, shaping architecture, and optimizing performance in a queue-driven pipeline. Collaborate across teams to enhance AI products an...
6 days ago
Engineering Team Lead, Electrical
$126K - $167K *
Transform your future by leading a dynamic team of electrical engineers in our Mission Critical Department. Elevate project outcomes while driving accountability, fostering growth, and cultivating inn...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Site Reliability Engineering Manager
$175K - $238K *
Elevate service reliability by leading a team of SRE engineers to build robust platforms that empower product teams with automation, observability, and scalability, while driving performance and opera...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Innovate and lead the MyGeotab workflows, ensuring usability and reliability while driving evolution and collaboration across product domains to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency...
Reposted 2 days ago
$138K - $184K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the evolution of MyGeotab workflows, ensuring usability and reliability while fostering collaboration across product domains. Drive innovation and enhance customer experien...
2 days ago
Group Product Manager - Corporate Systems
$182K - $240K *
Pioneer a high-impact Corporate Systems strategy, leading a dedicated Product Management team to transform internal platforms. Drive cross-functional initiatives in Finance, People, and Sales to deliv...
Reposted 6 days ago
Computer System Quality Validation Engineer
$95K - $115K *
Drive quality assurance initiatives by overseeing computer system validation processes, ensuring compliance with GxP regulations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance validation pr...
3 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.