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Manager Application Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... Talent Management, Value Added Services through CLASS (Competency Leveraged Advanced Staffing ... Ability to communicate clearly and gather requirements along with the actual development 2+ years ...

... deploy application on all mobile development platforms Project management/project engineering experience preferred. Experience in Audio video app development  The following talents and ...

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Manager Application Development information

See Iowa salary details

$37.1K

$114.1K

$189.7K

How much do manager application development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager application development in Iowa is $114,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,600.00 and $133,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager Application Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Application Development, you need strong expertise in software development methodologies, project management, and leadership, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Agile/Scrum frameworks, version control systems (e.g., Git), and project management software, as well as certifications like PMP or Scrum Master, is highly valuable. Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to motivate diverse technical teams are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure the successful delivery of high-quality applications, effective team collaboration, and alignment with business goals.

How does a Manager Application Development typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Manager Application Development works closely with cross-functional teams such as business analysts, QA testers, product managers, and IT operations to ensure successful project delivery. They facilitate communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders, clarify requirements, manage timelines, and resolve roadblocks. Regular meetings, status updates, and collaborative planning sessions are common practices to align goals and ensure all teams are synchronized throughout the project lifecycle.

What does a Manager of Application Development do?

A Manager of Application Development oversees teams responsible for designing, building, and maintaining software applications within an organization. This role involves managing the full software development lifecycle, setting project priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring that applications meet business requirements and quality standards. They also collaborate with stakeholders, mentor development teams, and stay updated on technological trends to drive innovation. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential to ensure successful project delivery and team performance.

What is the difference between Manager Application Development vs Software Development Manager?

AspectManager Application DevelopmentSoftware Development Manager
Primary FocusOverseeing application projects, managing development teams for specific applicationsManaging overall software development teams, including multiple projects and platforms
Required SkillsApplication lifecycle, project management, team leadership, technical knowledge of specific platformsSoftware architecture, team coordination, technical expertise across software products
Work EnvironmentTypically in organizations developing specific applications or software solutionsBroader software development departments across various projects

The Manager Application Development role focuses on leading teams that develop specific applications, emphasizing project management and application lifecycle. In contrast, a Software Development Manager oversees multiple software projects and teams, with a broader scope. Both roles require strong leadership and technical skills, but their scope and focus differ based on the organization's needs.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Manager Application Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Manager Application Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Manager Application Development job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,089 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Manager Application Development, Policy Administration

American National Group

Des Moines, IA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Manager Application Development, Policy Administration

Des Moines, Iowa, United States

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, for over thirty years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

General Purpose Of The Job:

The Manager, Application Development – Policy Administration is responsible for leading the delivery, stability, and evolution of a mission-critical COBOL-based policy administration platform that supports core business operations. This role provides people leadership to a team of application developers, ensures reliable and secure application performance, and partners closely with business and technology stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions in a regulated insurance environment.

The position is accountable for production stability, regulatory compliance, delivery outcomes, and the ongoing modernization of the platform while maintaining business continuity.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of COBOL application developers, fostering a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement
  • Oversee the design, development, testing, and deployment of enhancements to the policy administration platform and related systems
  • Own production support for the platform, including incident management, root cause analysis, and preventive remediation
  • Ensure application stability, availability, performance, and security in alignment with business and regulatory requirements
  • Collaborate with business partners to translate functional, regulatory, and operational requirements into technical solutions
  • Manage project timelines, scope, risks, dependencies, and delivery commitments
  • Guide enhancement of delivery, defect remediation, and technical debt reduction
  • Enforce coding standards, documentation practices, change control, and version management
  • Partner with architecture and enterprise technology teams on modernization, integration, and platform evolution initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and regulatory standards
  • Manage external vendors and consultants
  • Track, analyze, and report on delivery and operational metrics such as throughput, quality, defects, and production incidents
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct Reports: Approximately six (6) to ten (10) Application Developers, including a mix of employees and consultants. Supervisory responsibilities include performance management, career development, hiring and onboarding, workforce planning, and succession planning.

Education And/Or Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible technology experience, including demonstrated technical or people leadership
  • Experience supporting and enhancing mission‐critical, legacy application platforms
  • Experience modernizing policy administration or core systems while maintaining business continuity
  • Experience in insurance, financial services, or other regulated environments preferred

Certificates, Licenses, Professional Designations:

None required for this position.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

Leadership & Execution:

  • Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead high‐performing technical teams
  • Strong execution and delivery management capabilities in complex environments
  • Effective risk assessment, escalation judgment, and decision‐making skills
  • Experience with a hybrid staffing model of employees, offshore and onshore staff

Technical & Delivery:

  • Solid understanding of the software development lifecycle, QA practices, and release management
  • Ability to architect solutions on a multi-tenant platform
  • Knowledge of COBOL application development in an enterprise environment
  • Working knowledge of modern delivery practices (Agile, hybrid, or regulated SDLC models)

Business & Communication:

  • Ability to operate effectively in fast‐paced, regulated environments
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to executive and non‐technical audiences
  • Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
  • Experience with implementation of Annuity products

Technical Skills:

  • COBOL
  • .NET (working knowledge)
  • SQL