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 - $145K *
Unlock AI-driven engineering transformation by collaborating with clients to enhance SDLC processes. Drive measurable improvements in delivery speed and quality through innovative solutions and hands...
1 week ago
Sr. Manager, Solutions Architect - SMB
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Transform customer engagement by leading a team of Solutions Architects, driving technical strategy and operational excellence across the India region while ensuring alignment with cross-functional pa...
2 days ago
Project Manager, FEHRM Healthcare Technology Management - Deployment
$95K - $125K *
Drive the deployment of healthcare technology across multiple VA facilities, coordinating projects and ensuring readiness. Collaborate with diverse teams to manage timelines, resolve issues, and deliv...
2 weeks ago
Software Development Engineer IV - Algorithms and Scientific Data
$107K - $190K *
Join a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge software for advanced atomic force microscopes. Lead algorithm design and implementation, transforming complex data into actionable insights while collabora...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate project management excellence by delivering best practices in IT systems integration and infrastructure analysis, ensuring compliance with security standards while supporting the Department of...
5 days ago
Strategy and Operations Program Manager
$130K - $180K *
Take ownership of large-scale Oracle Cloud transformation programs, leading cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery across ERP, SCM, and HCM. Drive program governance, stakeholder communi...
3 weeks ago
$70K - $130K *
Lead and execute multiple medium-scale projects by collaborating with stakeholders to deliver effective solutions, manage budgets, and foster team development while ensuring alignment with organizatio...
1 week ago
$153K - $213K *
Lead the charge in building a high-throughput decision engine for innovative card products. Collaborate across teams to design scalable systems, ensuring robust performance and mentoring junior engine...
3 weeks ago
Senior Engineer Site Reliability - Data Operations
$105K - $149K *
Transform production reliability by enhancing cloud-based data platforms and pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency, incident response, and observability...
Reposted today
Software Engineer - AI Accelerated Development
$110K - $130K *
Innovate and drive AI agent development for clinical trial platforms, integrating LLMs through the .NET stack. Engage in hands-on engineering to deliver end-to-end AI features, enhancing patient-centr...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior II Fullstack Software Engineer, GRC
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of security by leading software projects, mentoring engineers, and driving innovation in critical systems to support our rapid growth and enhance our product offe...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer
$159K - $164K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of enterprise applications by designing and maintaining robust web solutions in Azure Government Cloud, leveraging full-stack technologies to enhance user experie...
4 days ago
Senior Software Engineer, Frontend
$145K - $195K *
Engage in developing high-performance frontend solutions for a pioneering CAD modeling app. Collaborate extensively with backend teams to create integral code-driven functionalities, ensuring a superi...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative financial technology solutions, enhancing applications through full stack development. Collaborate across teams, mentor peers, and drive improvements in scalab...
4 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer, Data Platform (MANTL)
$132K - $165K *
Lead the charge in building cutting-edge data lakes and warehouses, guiding cross-functional teams to optimize data strategies, ensuring robust architecture, and mentoring junior engineers in a dynami...
3 weeks ago
Senior Virtualization & Orchestration Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Transform infrastructure by designing and building scalable GPU systems for AI cloud platforms, focusing on virtualization, Kubernetes, and automation to enhance performance and reliability across mul...
3 weeks ago
GIS Software Quality Assurance Engineer
$95K - $120K *
Champion quality assurance in GIS software by developing test plans, validating data, and ensuring reliability for Army geospatial applications. Collaborate with experts to enhance automated testing p...
1 week ago
Senior Service Delivery Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead service delivery excellence for a major enterprise account, ensuring performance, compliance, and continuous improvement while fostering strong client relationships and managing cross-functional...
Today
$113K - $169K *
Lead the charge in quality engineering by designing automation frameworks, mentoring teams, and driving innovative testing strategies to ensure high-performing software delivery across multiple Agile...
2 days ago
Software Engineer/Sr Software Engineer
$120K - $170K *
Develop and enhance Python services for pharmacy claims processing. Collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality solutions while gaining expertise in the pharmacy benefits domain. Embrace a hybrid...
2 weeks ago
Service Delivery Manager - Security & Governance
$150K - $164K *
Lead our cybersecurity and governance initiatives, enhancing security operations and risk management while driving compliance with CMMC 2.0 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. Collaborate across teams to imp...
2 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Champion the successful delivery of complex projects, guiding financial institutions in adopting innovative loan origination software. Manage timelines, risks, and stakeholder expectations to ensure p...
1 week ago
Senior AI & Automation Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining operational efficiency through AI and automation. As a Senior AI & Automation Engineer, you'll develop intelligent solutions that enhance workflows and drive measurable i...
1 week ago
Director, Project Management & Resource Operations
$150K - $172K *
Drive strategic leadership for project and resource management, ensuring timely delivery and optimal resource utilization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experience and fi...
2 weeks ago
Distinguished, Software Engineer
$169K - $338K *
Elevate the future of AI-driven search and personalization by leading technical strategy and architecture for global platforms, ensuring scalable, high-quality solutions that enhance customer experien...
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.