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 *
Join the Platform Engineering Team to design and implement innovative solutions across infrastructure, data, and security platforms, leveraging modern technologies to enhance efficiency and security i...
2 weeks ago
$185K - $225K *
Launch innovative full-stack solutions, owning features from backend to UI. Collaborate with a remote team to enhance agent workflows and ensure secure, reliable experiences in a regulated financial e...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer, ML Training Infrastructure
$150K - $180K *
Innovate a high-performance AI training platform, enhancing ML workflows for autonomous vehicles. Collaborate across teams to optimize model development, ensuring reliability and scalability while pro...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative software solutions by designing, developing, and testing systems-level software. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet operational specifications and enhance SAP functionali...
1 week ago
Senior Engineering Manager - Machine Learning Data Enablement
$195K - $270K *
Lead a high-performing team to optimize data lifecycle processes for ML models, driving improvements in data evaluation velocity and production readiness by integrating robust infrastructures and fost...
1 month ago
Software Engineer - Team Lead (Forward Deployed)
$125K - $150K *
Drive engineering excellence as a Software Engineer Team Lead, guiding a team while collaborating with enterprise clients to create innovative, scalable solutions. Balance hands-on coding and mentorin...
Reposted 1 week ago
(USA) Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$121K - $242K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading a dynamic team while architecting scalable systems. Balance hands-on coding with mentorship to drive technical excellence and deliver impactful entert...
2 weeks ago
(USA) Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$110K - $220K *
Join us to lead engineering teams in developing and modernizing enterprise CRM applications. Drive technical strategy, ensure operational excellence, and build a high-performing team while collaborati...
2 weeks ago
Senior AI Software Engineer, Agentic Systems & Data Fabric
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by joining a cross-functional team to design and implement scalable AI workflows on a multi-cloud data platform, ensuring secure data governance and integration for enterprise applica...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion partner relationships by driving acquisition, onboarding, and business outcomes. Own the full lifecycle of partnerships, develop joint plans, and measure results to fuel growth in a dynamic...
2 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$115K - $275K *
Manage the delivery of GPU clusters for AI workloads by coordinating teams across engineering, networking, and operations. Develop strategies, manage risks, and ensure timely, quality launches to scal...
Reposted yesterday
Program Manager, Product Data Operations
$120K - $145K *
Oversee and manage AI data operations programs, ensuring high-quality data for model training. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve challenges and implement scalable solutions that align...
2 weeks ago
Staff Data Center Implementation Manager
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by leading complex data center projects, ensuring seamless coordination, budget management, and innovative design implementation while collaborating with diverse cross-functional t...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Sr Software Developer Engineer in Test (SDET)
$128K - $157K *
Advance quality assurance by designing automated tests and frameworks, enhancing software reliability across multiple platforms. Collaborate with teams to identify gaps, improve practices, and ensure...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the successful delivery of customer projects through all phases, ensuring alignment with business goals by coordinating teams and resources while managing risks and transacting key communicat...
3 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - ML/AI
$148K - $254K *
Transform connected systems by designing and deploying advanced anomaly detection models. Lead a team to build robust pipelines, ensuring real-time analysis and integration across AI and engineering t...
1 week ago
Team Lead, Software Development
$110K - $130K *
Elevate team performance by leading a Scrum team in developing and modernizing enterprise SaaS applications. Guide technical decisions, mentor engineers, and foster collaboration across departments to...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager Software Engineering - Remote
$112K - $193K *
Help us lead software engineering teams to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to drive architectural design and optimize performance while fostering a...
4 days ago
$135K - $185K *
Grow your career with an innovative team shaping data engineering through AI. Lead and mentor skilled engineers, design robust data pipelines, and drive industry-best practices for a data-driven futur...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $205K *
Join a team that's driving M&A success by leading financial strategy, target evaluation, and integration planning. Collaborate with senior leaders to identify opportunities and execute critical phases...
5 days ago
Director Software Engineering - Central Security
$180K - $220K *
Drive the development of innovative security systems using AI/ML, managing risk across identity and access management. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance security while maintaining ope...
Yesterday
Sr. Engineering Manager - Data Platform
$220K - $291K *
Lead the charge in shaping data infrastructure and strategy, managing a high-performing engineering team to drive robust, scalable solutions that optimize insights and empower data-intensive initiativ...
1 month ago
$150K - $170K *
Develop high-performance Drools rules for a large-scale underwriting platform, ensuring deterministic and explainable decisions. Collaborate on architecture, optimize rule execution, and mentor junior...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Elevate user experience by designing and implementing high-performance UIs. Engage in collaborative architecture decisions while developing scalable, visually stunning applications that empower users...
4 weeks ago
$148K - $193K *
Join a dynamic team as a Program Manager, leading complex projects from inception to completion. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, manage resources, and drive innovation while ensuring client sat...
1 week 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.