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.
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing pharmacy operations with AI. As a Software Engineer, you'll independently ship impactful features and fixes, collaborating closely with experienced engineers in a fa...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive the end-to-end execution of Payouts, ensuring reliable payments and enhancing our infrastructure while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and partners to innovate future solutions...
3 weeks ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Agentic Systems
$160K - $200K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI by developing robust machine learning solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and usability of advanced systems, and driv...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Agentic Engineering Governance, Open Source
$153K - $166K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI governance in software development. As a Senior Engineer, you'll design policies and tools that ensure safe, effective use of AI coding agents, empowering d...
1 week ago
(USA) Principal, Software Engineer
$110K - $220K *
Join a team that's focused on developing scalable platform capabilities using cloud-native architecture and AI/ML integration. Lead engineering efforts, mentor colleagues, and drive innovation to enha...
Reposted 1 week ago
(USA) Principal, Software Engineer
$143K - $286K *
Elevate the CARE agent experience by defining technical vision and leading architectural transformation. Collaborate across teams to implement scalable, agentic workflows and drive innovation in next...
2 weeks ago
(USA) Principal, Software Engineer
$143K - $286K *
Drive innovative engineering solutions by leading scalable platform development and cloud-native architecture, ensuring high-quality software delivery and AI integration across multi-functional teams...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
(USA) Principal, Software Engineer
$143K - $286K *
Optimize fraud detection systems at scale while leading architectural innovation and enhancing real-time decision-making through AI and entity intelligence. Drive development and collaboration across...
3 weeks ago
(USA) Principal, Software Engineer
$143K - $286K *
Empower teams as a Principal Software Engineer, driving the design and delivery of innovative, scalable solutions. Leverage cloud-native architecture and AI/ML to enhance fulfillment technology for mi...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Solution Engineering - DocV
$135K - $160K *
Drive customer success and system reliability by leading a high-impact, agile engineering team focused on short-term initiatives that enhance product adoption and solve complex integration challenges...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Product Manager, Technical
$160K - $220K *
Lead the charge in defining product strategy and delivery for major client engagements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor PMs, and navigate complex challenges to ensure successful outcom...
3 days ago
Staff Product Manager, Technical
$160K - $220K *
Shape the future of product strategy by leading complex client engagements, managing the full product lifecycle, driving cross-functional alignment, and mentoring teams to deliver impactful solutions...
Reposted 1 week ago
Staff Windows Developer - Debugger
$159K - $239K *
Engage in the full software development lifecycle for Windows-on-Snapdragon products. Collaborate with Agile teams to design, develop, and debug features while coordinating with stakeholders to resolv...
3 weeks ago
Senior Infrastructure Test Engineer, DevOps
$120K - $140K *
Unlock your potential as you innovate automated testing solutions for AWS infrastructures and CI/CD pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance deployment confidence and streamline v...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Enterprise Deal Operations Manager
$75K - $90K *
Transform enterprise deal operations by managing complex opportunities across teams. Ensure visibility and accountability throughout the deal lifecycle, removing roadblocks to drive success from deal...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$126K - $162K *
Elevate your career by leading critical building automation projects, ensuring innovative solutions, and guiding a dynamic team to exceed client expectations in a collaborative, remote environment...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Practice Manager - Managed Services
$92K - $186K *
Lead the charge in enhancing operational excellence by driving process efficiency and supporting change initiatives. Collaborate across teams to optimize resources and consistently execute strategic i...
1 month ago
Senior Software Engineer (Capture)
$130K - $170K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of real-time media ingestion, designing and operating distributed services that enhance communication data processing for analytics and security. Lead projects and...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Engineering, Managed Services – AIX, Unix & Linux
$126K - $177K *
Lead a dynamic Managed Services Engineering Team to enhance customer satisfaction, optimize operations, and drive continuous service improvement while fostering strong relationships with clients and p...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer - Full Stack
$110K - $270K *
Innovate software solutions that enhance the delivery of critical treatments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design scalable applications, mentor junior engineers, and drive product direct...
1 week ago
$118K - $174K *
Drive successful project outcomes by leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale ERP and SAP projects. Collaborate with stakeholders to align on objectives and implement effective change s...
Reposted today
$118K - $174K *
Lead the charge in delivering large-scale SAP transformation programs, ensuring strategic alignment and effective stakeholder collaboration while managing risks and optimizing resources for successful...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional IT infrastructure projects. As a Senior Project Manager, you'll oversee project execution, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to best pra...
4 days ago
Senior Transformation Program Lead, Billing Modernization
$125K - $150K *
Join us in leading a transformative multi-year initiative to modernize billing capabilities. As the Overall Program Lead, you'll unify business and technology teams, ensuring alignment and execution e...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion the development and execution of scalable Product and Pricing systems, overseeing integrations across platforms while driving business outcomes and ensuring compliance with enterprise standar...
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.