Software Development Manager

Software Development Manager job description

The Software Development Manager leads software engineering teams in delivering scalable, secure, and high-performing applications aligned with business objectives. This role oversees development practices, resource planning, and product delivery, while ensuring compliance with New Zealand data governance and privacy standards.

Software Development Manager duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of a Software Development Manager include:

Managing the full software development lifecycle, from planning through to deployment and support

Leading, mentoring, and developing high-performing software engineering teams

Collaborating with product owners, architects, and stakeholders to define and deliver technology solutions

Ensuring secure coding standards and compliance with the NZ Privacy Act and ISO 27001

Overseeing agile development practices, sprint planning, code reviews, and release management

Supporting continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and DevOps practices

Monitoring performance, quality, and delivery timelines across all projects

Managing vendor relationships and licensing for development tools and platforms

Driving technical innovation, automation, and process improvement across the development function

Software Development Manager job qualifications and requirements

A degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field is required.

Requirements include:

7+ years’ experience in software development, including 3+ years in a leadership or management role

Strong technical background with experience across modern development stacks (e.g. .NET, JavaScript, Python)

Proven ability to manage development teams and deliver enterprise-grade applications

Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS) and DevOps toolchains

In-depth understanding of New Zealand-specific data privacy and security compliance

Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills

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Salary for Software Development Manager

180000 - 230000

25th Percentile

180000

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

200000

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

230000

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or KiwiSaver.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

IT Manager / Head of IT

160000

180000

200000

Chief Information Officer / Chief Technology Officer

250000

280000

350000

Program Manager

175000

195000

215000

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