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.
$150K - $180K *
Drive mobile engineering excellence across diverse product teams, ensuring strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and enhancing delivery. Lead managers, shape architecture, and cultivate a prod...
1 week ago
Project Management Lead, Science
$110K - $130K *
Drive project delivery excellence by architecting frameworks, managing resources, and synchronizing teams. Lead cross-functional initiatives, optimize processes, and mentor project managers to ensure...
4 days ago
Advanced Specialist, Technology Solutions
$110K - $120K *
Explore a pivotal role in leading complex analysis across systems, driving alignment among stakeholders, and enhancing technology solutions. Collaborate with diverse teams to translate business needs...
1 week ago
Lead Product Manager, AI Platform
$139K - $176K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of a transformative AI platform. Drive product strategy, enhance user experience, and ensure alignment across teams to deliver impactful solutions that empo...
2 weeks ago
Senior Development Program Manager - Government Services & Solutions
$147K - $233K *
Lead the charge in executing complex government development programs that ensure reliable, secure, and resilient connectivity solutions across various domains, meeting critical mission objectives with...
Reposted 4 days ago
Manager, Strategy & Operations
$120K - $180K *
Drive operational excellence by managing the leadership team's cadence, metrics, and contract operations. This hands-on role blends business judgment with execution, ensuring alignment and efficiency...
1 week ago
Senior Product Manager - Smart Buildings
$94K - $161K *
Join a team that's redefining smart building solutions by driving product initiatives in IoT and access control. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and deliver innovat...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Workforce Transformation
$225K - $270K *
Lead the charge in Workforce Transformation by measuring AI’s impact, redesigning roles, and shaping skills for the future. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to anticipate workforce needs and...
4 weeks ago
Software Engineer 4 - AI Native
$88K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI-native software development. Drive engineering excellence by orchestrating autonomous agents and maintaining high-quality standards in a FedRAMP-authorized e...
4 weeks ago
Portfolio Delivery Director - AI Native Engineering & Hyperfactory Transformation
$160K - $200K *
Elevate transformation efforts by guiding a strategic portfolio in AI-native engineering. Drive operational excellence and innovation across programs, ensuring delivery success and client satisfaction...
3 weeks ago
Portfolio Delivery Director - AI Native Engineering & Hyperfactory Transformation
$160K - $200K *
Lead a strategic portfolio within a large-scale transformation, ensuring delivery excellence across multiple programs and managed services while driving innovation through AI-native practices and oper...
3 weeks ago
$121K - $170K *
Advance client success by overseeing professional services engagements, collaborating with sales and technology teams to deliver tailored solutions that meet business objectives and drive positive out...
Reposted 3 days ago
(USA) Senior Manager, Incubation & Onboarding
$90K - $180K *
Lead the charge in driving customer success through effective onboarding and cross-functional collaboration. Analyze data to identify opportunities, mentor team members, and execute strategic plans th...
Yesterday
$114K - $167K *
Drive impactful SAP BRIM projects by leading cross-functional teams, managing client relationships, and ensuring project alignment with business goals. Foster innovation and quality while optimizing r...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Develop and optimize scalable web applications using TypeScript, Java, and Node.js. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative AI-powered solutions while ensuring code quality and performance in a d...
4 days ago
Principal Engineer, Monetization Engineering
$223K - $317K *
Drive the evolution of a robust Fulfillment platform, shaping architecture and strategy while mentoring teams. Lead modernization efforts to enhance scalability, reliability, and performance, ensuring...
4 days ago
Full Stack Software Engineer - Secret
$103K - $181K *
Shape the future of secure software by developing full-stack applications that support critical government missions. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver reliable, scalable solutions in dynamic e...
1 week ago
Senior Global Product Manager, Enabling Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Lead strategic product initiatives in advanced surgical technologies, driving development and commercialization efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance orthopedic outcomes and proc...
1 week ago
(USA) Principal, Software Engineer, Information Security
$110K - $220K *
Shape the future of secure software platforms by leading architecture, design, and development efforts. Collaborate across teams to drive innovation, establish best practices, and mentor talent, ensur...
2 days ago
Business Systems Product Manager
$108K - $135K *
Engage with key stakeholders to drive the product strategy for critical business systems. Lead requirements, prioritize backlogs, and ensure alignment between Legal, Risk, Compliance, Finance, and eng...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Technical Product Manager, IT Service Management
$143K - $169K *
Lead the transition to a modern, AI-native ITSM platform, enhancing service management across teams. Drive employee-centric design, streamline workflows, and ensure seamless integration while maintain...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager - Software Engineering (Health100 Platform)
$106K - $260K *
Elevate consumer health through innovative software solutions, leading engineering teams to shape and execute high-impact initiatives. Drive cloud-native technology and AI integration for enhanced use...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Global SME Solutions Architecture
$244K - $409K *
Drive the development of a global SME organization, leading regional teams to enhance technical selling and product direction. Transform ambiguity into structure while mentoring leaders and collaborat...
2 weeks ago
$101K - $154K *
Shape product strategy and commercialization efforts, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer needs. Drive product development, marketing initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration to...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Lifecycle Marketing
$150K - $180K *
Lead and innovate Dropbox's lifecycle marketing strategy, enhancing customer engagement and retention. Manage a team to develop impactful programs that drive adoption and revenue across diverse custom...
2 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.