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Senior Software Project Manager Jobs in California

Senior Project Manager

Valencia, CA ยท On-site

$68 - $73/hr

Minimum 5 years of hands-on software development experience with C# and WPF. * 10-15 years of experience in software project management within software driven medical devices or other regulated ...

New

... custom software development. โ€ข Working closely with the customer to build trust, manage ... technical teams and senior stakeholders. โ€ข Strong problem solving and risk management ...

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a RPA Project Manager Details: RPA Project Manager Location: Phoenix AZ or Oakland CA (Hybrid) Duration: 12-24 months ROLE: Client has been working on a Senior ...

Senior Software Developer

Carlsbad, CA

$56.50 - $74.75/hr

The senior software developer resource will work with team members and clients in the development ... Further, Managers are involved in business development such as project diagnostics, proposal ...

Senior Software Developer

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$56.50 - $74.75/hr

The senior software developer resource will work with team members and clients in the development ... Further, Managers are involved in business development such as project diagnostics, proposal ...

Sr. Software Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $189K/yr

Software Engineering Immediate Manager : Sr. Director and Head of Software CTC Location : San Jose ... Experience in cross-functional software projects * Knowledge of PLC configuration and programming ...

Sr. Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$144K - $189K/yr

Software Engineering Immediate Manager : Sr. Director and Head of Software CTC Location : San Jose ... Experience in cross-functional software projects * Knowledge of PLC configuration and programming ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Software Project Manager information

See California salary details

$89.3K

$134.7K

$190K

How much do senior software project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software project manager in California is $134,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,600.00 and $164,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a senior software project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Senior Software Project Manager plays a pivotal role in facilitating communication and collaboration among development, QA, product management, and design teams. They organize regular meetings to ensure all stakeholders are aligned, address roadblocks, and clarify project goals. Additionally, they often act as a liaison between technical teams and business leadership, translating requirements and managing expectations. Effective collaboration ensures timely delivery, high-quality outcomes, and a positive team dynamic throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior software project manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Software Project Manager, you need expertise in project management methodologies, software development life cycles, and a relevant degree, often supported by certifications like PMP or Agile/Scrum credentials. Familiarity with tools such as Jira, Trello, Microsoft Project, and collaboration platforms is typically required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart by enabling effective team coordination and stakeholder management. These competencies are crucial for delivering complex software projects on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

What is the difference between Senior Software Project Manager vs Software Development Manager?

AspectSenior Software Project ManagerSoftware Development Manager
CredentialsPM certifications (PMP, Scrum)Technical degrees, management experience
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, manages teams, coordinates timelinesLeads development teams, focuses on software design and delivery
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, IT departments, consulting firmsSoftware companies, tech startups, enterprise IT
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in softwareManaging software development teams and processes

The main difference is that a Senior Software Project Manager focuses on overseeing projects, timelines, and stakeholder communication, while a Software Development Manager concentrates on leading development teams and technical delivery. Both roles require strong technical knowledge and management skills but serve different aspects of software production.

What is a senior software project manager?

Senior Software Project Managers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing complex software development projects from initiation to completion. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure that project goals align with business objectives. Their role involves risk management, stakeholder communication, and the implementation of best practices to deliver high-quality software solutions. Typically, they have several years of experience in project management and a strong understanding of software development processes.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Software Project Manager jobs in California?

For Senior Software Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Software Project Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Software Project Manager jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Senior Software Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,746 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Senior Project Manager -- Software Implementation

NEXGEN Asset Management

Sacramento, CA โ€ข Remote

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

This is a remote position.

The Senior Project Manager is a highly experienced, self-directed delivery leader responsible for the end-to-end success of multiple concurrent EAM software implementations. Working in close partnership with a dedicated Senior Implementation Consultant, the Senior PM owns project governance from contract handoff through go-live and post-deployment handoff — operating with a high degree of autonomy across complex, multi-stakeholder engagements.

This role is designed for a seasoned implementation professional who requires minimal direction on methodology, brings established client relationship skills, and can independently navigate scope, risk, and stakeholder dynamics at the program and executive level. The Senior PM also contributes to the broader delivery team by sharing best practices, participating in methodology improvement, and providing informal guidance to junior PMs.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Own the full implementation lifecycle for a portfolio of concurrent EAM software projects, from contract handoff and kickoff through go-live and post-deployment handoff, operating independently with minimal oversight.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for client project leadership, including program-level sponsors and C-suite stakeholders; build trusted, long-term client relationships that support client retention.
  • Track project budgets and revenue milestones in alignment with percent-complete invoicing structures; identify and surface variances early.
  • Established track record of managing stakeholders at the program and executive level, including steering committee facilitation and C-suite communication.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to client sites across the U.S. up to approximately 20% of the time.
  • Experience managing implementations for large, multi-stakeholder municipal or public sector organizations with complex procurement and governance structures.
  • Familiarity with percent-complete and milestone-complete invoicing models and SOW-based revenue tracking.
  • Lead meaningful implementations that directly improve how utilities and public sector organizations manage critical infrastructure assets.
  • Community — Build a community of coworkers and clients. Connect on a personal level and bring a family-driven culture of teamwork to every engagement.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including work breakdown structures, milestone schedules, resource assignments, and critical path tracking; proactively adjust plans to maintain delivery integrity.
  • Establish and enforce project governance frameworks: RAID logs, change control processes, decision registers, and escalation paths; model governance discipline for junior team members.
  • Manage project scope in collaboration with clients and the assigned Senior Implementation Consultant; manage change requests through a structured change control process and address scope creep without escalation in most cases.
  • Facilitate project status meetings, steering committee updates, and executive briefings with clients; produce concise, high-quality status reports and decision documentation independently.
  • Proactively identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues across all dimensions; develop and execute mitigation strategies with minimal escalation to the Director of Project Delivery.
  • Coordinate internal delivery resources — Senior Implementation Consultants, data migration specialists, integration analysts, trainers, client support, and product teams — ensuring cross-functional alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Contribute to delivery team methodology by sharing lessons learned, reviewing and improving project templates, and providing informal mentorship and sounding-board support to less experienced PMs.
  • Report on portfolio-level project health to the Director of Project Delivery on a regular cadence.


Requirements
  • 7+ years of project management experience leading enterprise B2B/SaaS software implementations, with demonstrated ownership of full-lifecycle delivery across multiple concurrent, complex engagements.
  • Proven ability to operate independently — managing scope, risk, client expectations, and cross-functional teams without requiring day-to-day direction.
  • Direct industry experience in utilities (water/wastewater), public works, or facilities management is strongly preferred, with working knowledge of maintenance management and asset lifecycle practices.
  • Prior experience with EAM, CMMS, or operational technology (OT) software implementations is highly desirable.
  • PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2 certification required; Agile/Scrum certification (CSM, PMI-ACP) advantageous.
  • Proficiency in project scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent); strong command of WBS, critical path, resource management, change control, and risk management fundamentals.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent practical experience considered.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have):

  • Experience applying hybrid delivery methodologies (Waterfall + Agile) in enterprise software contexts.
  • Prior experience contributing to delivery methodology development, onboarding programs, or knowledge-sharing initiatives within a PM practice.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Self-directed and comfortable operating with minimal oversight.
  • A trusted advisor who builds credibility with clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Decisive and able to make sound judgments with imperfect information.
  • A clear communicator who can tailor messages for technical teams and executives.
  • Client-focused, accountable, and collaborative.
  • Calm under pressure and methodically rigorous.

Benefits

Why Join the Project Delivery Team:

  • Operate with a high degree of autonomy within a structured, role-separated delivery model — you own project governance while the Senior Implementation Consultant owns functional delivery.
  • Collaborate with an experienced delivery team that values rigor, transparency, and continuous improvement — and contribute to shaping how that team grows.
  • Flexible remote-first work environment with a supportive leadership culture and clear pathways for career development.
  • Be part of a high-growth EAM software company with over 25 years of industry expertise and a growing portfolio of utility and public sector clients.

Why Work at NEXGEN:

  • Engage with an innovative and intelligent team
  • Fun & progressive culture in a dog-friendly office
  • Flexible work environment
  • Competitive salaries and room for growth
  • Excellent benefits

Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Starts at 15 days per year, increasing by 8 hours for each additional year of service (capped at 200 hours).
  • Paid Sick Leave: 40 hours per year.
  • Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan eligible after 3 months of service with up to a 4% company match.
  • Healthcare: Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Holidays: Standard paid company holidays.

NEXGEN Core Values:

Courage – Do the right thing & do not be afraid of taking smart risks

  • Be bold and make intelligent decisions
  • Take initiative even when faced with adversity

Innovation – Promote innovation & continuous improvement

  • Approach work with intellectual curiosity
  • Follow best practices of the industry

Respect – Treat others with respect & professionalism

  • Be honest, open, and forthright
  • Approach the organization, clients and team with integrity

Proactive – Anticipate & take the initiative to achieve results

  • Be aware of the situation and environment
  • Anticipate needs and take initiative to address them

Results – Deliver exceptional results

  • Hold yourself accountable to deliverables and deadlines
  • Strive for excellence

Community – Build a community of co-workers and clients

  • Family-driven culture of teamwork
  • Connect on a personal level with team and clients

NEXGEN is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.