Explore Software Development Manager Jobs

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.

What Does a Software Development Manager Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications Employers Look For

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.

Career Paths and Opportunities

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.

Find Your Next Software Development Manager Role

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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$143K - $286K *

Transform software development by leading cloud-native initiatives, mentoring peers, and integrating AI/ML technologies. Drive the full software lifecycle to deliver scalable, resilient solutions that...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$143K - $286K *

Empower your career by leading software development initiatives, driving innovation, and collaborating across teams to deliver scalable, cloud-native solutions that enhance operational efficiency and...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$125K - $150K *

Lead the vision and strategy for content development, ensuring quality and usability. Collaborate with stakeholders to align priorities, streamline processes, and enhance the user experience across co...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $187K *

Transform public sector sales by driving growth strategies, building executive relationships, and leading complex pursuits. Leverage your expertise in IT consulting and digital transformation to close...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Unlock your potential as you lead global training operations. Manage cross-functional teams to enhance onboarding experiences, optimize performance metrics, and build leadership capacity across North...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$155K - $185K *

Join a growing aerospace organization to design and develop backend software for remote sensing systems, influencing the entire operational structure through autonomous project ownership and collabora...

Arlington, VARemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$90K - $115K *

Elevate team performance and delivery by leading a technical group, setting clear expectations, providing mentorship, and managing project needs while ensuring quality and employee development in a dy...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$120K - $140K *

Engage in leading complex, cross-functional programs for healthcare clients. Drive strategic initiatives, manage risks, and enhance stakeholder communication while delivering impactful results in a dy...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$175K - $225K *

Empower growth by leading AI product initiatives, driving customer adoption, and enhancing market competitiveness while collaborating cross-functionally to deliver measurable business outcomes and str...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$140K - $180K *

Transform identity governance at scale by leading the SailPoint ISC platform. Drive strategy, architecture, and compliance across global operations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...

Brooklyn, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$157K - $238K *

Join a team that's redefining security by leveraging AI to enhance application safety. You'll assess vulnerabilities, develop innovative security solutions, and shape the AI security strategy across t...

Denver, CORemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$157K - $238K *

Lead the charge in enhancing application security by integrating AI-driven solutions, conducting assessments, and shaping the AI security strategy across the organization. Collaborate with cross-funct...

Seattle, WARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of content discovery by leading product operations and program management. Drive efficiency and innovation across teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and execution of high-impact i...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$120K - $145K *

Drive clinical study strategies and execution, ensuring compliance and quality in research initiatives. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop protocols and manage trials, while mentoring junior tea...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Lead the charge in managing complex containerized data center projects, ensuring alignment with customer needs and organizational goals from inception to completion while balancing scope, budget, and...

Alexandria, VARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$136K - $162K *

Architect a transformative AI operations strategy, driving impactful solutions and cross-functional collaboration to enhance the customer experience and operational performance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in .NET development and solutions design. Collaborate on web applications, integrate REST APIs, and enhance imaging solutions while overseeing server admi...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $235K *

Transform data access and orchestration by managing a self-service platform that empowers engineers and analysts, ensuring safe, efficient workflows while driving innovation in AI integration and syst...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$144K - $170K *

Join a team that's leading the charge in renewable energy construction. Oversee multiple utility-scale projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective execution while managing contractors and stakeholder...

Charlottesville, VARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$160K - $180K *

Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity and IT programs across compliance, cloud, and application security. Collaborate with teams to implement secure practices in a hands-on role while driving ini...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform our data infrastructure by leading design and deployment of scalable systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data management, mentor engineers, and shape our technical ro...

RemoteRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$172K - $240K *

Join a team that's redefining AI security! As a Principal AI Security Engineer, you'll lead assessments, design controls, and partner with teams to ensure safe AI adoption across the enterprise, drivi...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Build and enhance marketing automation workflows leveraging AI to optimize operations and creative production. Collaborate with global teams to create streamlined solutions for retail hardware launche...

RemoteRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Elevate partner engagement by driving strategic initiatives with System Integrators. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance delivery capabilities and execute joint go-to-market strategies, ensuring...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $145K *

Transform legal research by enabling AI adoption in law firms. Collaborate with leaders to design effective workflows, enhance vendor partnerships, and build internal AI capabilities, ensuring clients...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Software Development Manager do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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.