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.
Technical Product Manager, Legal AI and Platforms
$131K - $230K *
Unlock the potential of legal technology by owning AI initiatives that streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and empower legal teams. Collaborate across departments to deliver impactful solution...
3 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Drive product performance and adoption by collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute marketing strategies for advanced surgical technologies, enhancing customer engagement and optimizing pro...
Yesterday
$99K - $164K *
Drive impactful data-driven projects by leading a diverse team in fraud detection and prevention. Manage contract delivery, timelines, and client relationships while ensuring effective communication a...
Yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Join a dynamic team to architect and implement innovative AI applications, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver scalable, efficient solutions, and mentor junior developers while staying at the f...
3 weeks ago
Senior AV Project Manager (Systems Integration)
$90K - $110K *
Help us drive project success by managing AV integration projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and client satisfaction while fostering collaboration within...
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Software, Data & AI Sales Manager & Account Executive
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in driving revenue growth and team performance by developing innovative sales strategies, coaching talent, and fostering client relationships to enhance business outcomes in technology...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Empower your career by leading and scaling a multidisciplinary engineering team in full-stack and data engineering. Drive impact through collaboration and technical excellence, ensuring quality and in...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Software Engineer, Plan Intelligence
$155K - $207K *
Lead the design and development of innovative software solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications. Drive technical excellence and mentor engineers while...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Risk Management
$135K - $160K *
Drive innovation in vendor risk management by developing full-stack solutions to enhance enterprise security. Collaborate across teams to build seamless experiences and shape how businesses manage thi...
Reposted 1 month ago
Senior Software Engineer, Java | Triggers and Conditions
$160K - $200K *
Transform the future of IT operations by leading the development of scalable software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product features and ensure high-quality standards w...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading complex IT task orders, ensuring timely implementation of technical solutions while collaborating with government officials and managing project teams effectively...
2 weeks ago
Workforce Development & Education Manager, Infrastructure Sites
$100K - $120K *
Champion workforce development initiatives by building partnerships with educational institutions and industry leaders to prepare local talent for future data center careers, ensuring alignment with c...
1 week ago
$87K - $139K *
Architect scalable software solutions to enhance payment processing systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality applications while modernizing platforms and implementing m...
3 weeks ago
$240K - $330K *
Transform the GTM Systems landscape by leading strategy, architecture, and operations. Drive efficiency across Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success through innovative solutions and data governance...
1 week ago
Scientific Software Developer for MPAS Infrastructure
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Lead the charge in developing innovative scientific software for MPAS infrastructure, enhancing model integration and performance across HPC platforms while collaborating with diverse teams to advance...
3 days ago
$149K - $198K *
Champion the development of reliable software releases for autonomous vehicles by building and automating pipelines, ensuring quality and speed through effective collaboration and innovative engineeri...
1 month ago
Senior Software Engineer, Marketplace
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building innovative marketplace solutions. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software, enhancing fle...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $117K *
Champion software quality by analyzing healthcare data, developing test cases, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with clinical...
2 weeks ago
Principal Embedded Software Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Lead the charge in creating cutting-edge embedded software solutions for autonomous mobile robotics. Drive technical excellence, oversee collaborative engineering efforts, and ensure high reliability...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager- Core HR
$130K - $191K *
Lead product strategy and execution by driving cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions. Own the product lifecycle, prioritize impactful features, and leverage customer insights to ali...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager, Smart Utility
$88K - $105K *
Drive successful AMI deployment projects by coordinating smart meter installations, software integration, and vendor partnerships. Ensure utility modernization through effective project management and...
1 week ago
Senior Project Manager (City and County)
$130K - $154K *
Lead complex projects to enhance organizational efficiency, manage timelines, and coordinate cross-functional teams. Drive strategic goals while ensuring compliance and fostering strong stakeholder re...
2 weeks ago
Sr Software Engineer (Backend)
$140K - $165K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead the design and development of complex software systems. Drive technical direction, mentor peers, and ensure high-quality, scalable solutions that align with business go...
1 week ago
Senior Interoperability Architect
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in developing interoperability specifications for Veteran health information exchange, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance standards and ensure compliance with federal...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $110K *
Lead the charge in managing multiple deployment projects, ensuring customer satisfaction and timely delivery. Collaborate with teams to define goals, mitigate risks, and leverage Fortra products for o...
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.