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.
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Drive successful customer engagements by managing SaaS solution delivery, building strong client relationships, and enhancing project execution within a dynamic, fast-paced environment...
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Senior Software Developer (Fully Remote in SoCal)
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Elevate software development by designing high-quality solutions, mentoring teammates, and collaborating with leadership to transform business needs into effective, well-engineered applications...
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Senior Project Manager - US Remote
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Lead the charge in deploying advanced SVX devices and AI workflows, managing multi-site programs, and ensuring seamless integration of technologies to enhance public safety solutions while driving sta...
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Unlock potential by leading the Lattice MCP server strategy and integrations that enhance performance data interoperability within popular AI tools and external platforms, driving customer engagement...
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Lead product marketing initiatives by crafting compelling messaging and strategies that drive customer engagement and adoption. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment and measure performan...
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Sr Offensive AI Security Engineer II
$157K - $238K *
Join a dynamic team to leverage AI in enhancing application security. You'll assess vulnerabilities, implement fixes, and shape AI security strategies, driving innovation in a fast-paced environment w...
2 weeks ago
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Empower the retail experience by bridging physical stores and digital touchpoints. Drive growth, enhance customer journeys, and collaborate across teams to create integrated solutions that unify the b...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Execute comprehensive program management for a critical Air Force contract, leading a diverse team to ensure compliance, quality, and performance across multiple global operations while maintaining 24...
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Staff Software Developer (copy)
$184K - $235K *
Lead impactful product engineering initiatives by crafting intuitive user experiences and simplifying complex workflows. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to enhance frontend architectur...
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Senior Software Engineer, Audit (Full Stack)
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative, AI-powered financial audit solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design agent-driven experiences and own complex onboarding workflows for major...
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Senior Manager, People Operations
$133K - $183K *
Join a team that's redefining People Operations by leading global strategies and scalable programs. Drive employee lifecycle enhancements, optimize service delivery, and foster a high-performing cultu...
1 week ago
$90K *
Innovate with a dynamic team to develop and maintain applications that integrate engineering systems with campus data, ensuring high-quality data access for operational workflows and enhancing user ex...
3 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance and maintain the PeopleSoft Campus Solutions SIS, ensuring a robust technological infrastructure that supports student success and institutional goals throug...
1 week ago
$155K - $173K *
Join a team that's driving engineering excellence by designing scalable systems, influencing cross-team initiatives, and delivering high-impact solutions while mentoring engineers and upholding high s...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in designing cutting-edge infrastructure for large-scale AI deployments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless execution from concept to construction, maintaining...
1 week ago
SDLC Security and Compliance Lead
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Unlock potential by leading compliance and security processes in the software development lifecycle. Ensure adherence to industry standards, manage audits, and drive training initiatives to maintain h...
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$100K - $250K *
Accelerate your career in a fast-paced environment by driving innovative software solutions for restaurants, improving customer interactions, and fostering seamless operations through team collaborati...
4 weeks ago
Engineering Manager, Active Sensors (LiDAR)
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Drive the development of advanced machine learning systems for autonomous trucks, leading a team in perception capabilities. Oversee the complete lifecycle from data requirements to deployment, ensuri...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technology Partner Manager
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Manage strategic partner relationships to drive technology integrations and AI partnerships, blending hands-on engagement with high-level strategy to enhance commercial outcomes and partner adoption...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join us to drive strategic growth by managing key accounts, building executive relationships, and leading complex deals. Shape multi-year strategies and collaborate with a virtual team to deliver impa...
1 week ago
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Lead the design and delivery of scalable platform capabilities, driving the full software development lifecycle while integrating AI/ML technologies. Collaborate across teams to ensure high-quality so...
1 week ago
(USA) Staff, Software Engineer
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Drive the design and delivery of scalable platform capabilities, enhancing engineering productivity through technical leadership and collaboration. Lead the full software lifecycle while promoting clo...
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(USA) Staff, Software Engineer
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Champion technical excellence as a Staff Engineer, leading architectural direction across teams, solving complex problems, and mentoring engineers to elevate performance in a dynamic eCommerce fulfill...
2 days ago
(USA) Staff, Software Engineer
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Champion technical leadership in reliability and scalability, driving SRE best practices and AI innovations. Build automation frameworks and enhance operational excellence across platforms, ensuring r...
3 days 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.