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.
(USA) Staff, Software Engineer
$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...
1 week ago
(USA) Staff, Software Engineer
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Product Manager, Atom Engine
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Customer Expansion
$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...
Reposted 1 month ago
Senior Software Engineer (Remote Sensing)
$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...
4 weeks ago
$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...
Today
Sr. Program Manager (Healthcare)
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
SailPoint Engineering lead, IAM
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Product Operations Lead & Program Manager - Content Experience Innovation
$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...
Reposted today
$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...
2 days ago
Project / Product Manager - Containerized Data Centers - Remote
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Operations Transformation
$136K - $162K *
Architect a transformative AI operations strategy, driving impactful solutions and cross-functional collaboration to enhance the customer experience and operational performance...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior Product Manager, Data Infrastructure
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Information Security & IT
$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...
4 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure
$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...
Reposted today
Principal AI Security Engineer
$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...
2 weeks ago
AI Solutions & API Integration Developer
$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...
4 weeks ago
Strategic Partner Development Manager – System Integrators
$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...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Research and Technology Enablement
$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...
2 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.