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Software Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Software Asset Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

The Software Asset Manager is ultimately accountable for the management of software assets throughout their lifecycle, to ensure compliance, reduce costs, and optimize usage. This role will leverage ...

Software Engineering Manager This role leads a software engineering team that designs, develops, and implements software for new and existing medical products. The Software Engineering Manager ...

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Join our team as a hands-on Software Development Manager, where you'll lead a talented team of developers, drive technical innovation, and deliver impactful software solutions that support our ...

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Join our team as a hands-on Software Development Manager, where you'll lead a talented team of developers, drive technical innovation, and deliver impactful software solutions that support our ...

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Software Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$76.8K

$147.3K

$183.5K

How much do software manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for software manager in Chicago, IL is $147,254.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,000.00 and $174,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Software Manager do?

A Software Manager oversees software development teams, ensuring projects are completed on time and meet quality standards. They coordinate between team members, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders about progress and requirements. Additionally, they may be responsible for hiring, mentoring, and evaluating team performance. Their role bridges the gap between technical staff and upper management to align technology goals with business objectives.

What Is a Software Manager?

A software manager oversees the development, installation, and maintenance of new or upgraded software for an organization. As a software manager, you coordinate with staff to determine client needs and expectations, establish budget and timelines, and ensure that employees use the product correctly. You may also train company employees on how to utilize the software after it is installed and help troubleshoot problems that arise.

What is the difference between Software Manager vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware ManagerSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; management experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; coding skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDevelops software, writes code, tests applications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, startups, large enterprisesUsed across all tech sectors, startups, corporate IT

The main difference between a Software Manager and a Software Engineer lies in their roles. Software Managers focus on team leadership, project management, and strategic planning, while Software Engineers are primarily responsible for coding and developing software. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their responsibilities and work focus differ significantly.

How does a Software Manager typically balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities?

Software Managers often juggle both technical and leadership duties, but the balance can vary depending on the organization and team size. In many cases, Software Managers spend a significant portion of their time on people management tasks such as mentoring team members, conducting code reviews, planning sprints, and facilitating communication between stakeholders. However, they may also remain involved in architectural decisions or critical technical challenges to stay connected with the team's work. Effective Software Managers prioritize delegating coding tasks to their team while focusing on enabling productivity, resolving blockers, and ensuring project alignment with business goals.

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

To thrive as a Software Manager, you need a strong background in software development, project management, and leadership, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Agile methodologies, version control systems like Git, and project management tools such as Jira is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills set outstanding managers apart in this role. These competencies are essential for delivering projects on time, fostering effective collaboration, and driving high-performing engineering teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Software jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Software Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Software Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,254 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Software Asset Manager

Software Asset Manager

Morningstar, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


MorningStar Senior Living rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 236 rated social care providers


Job description

About the Role:
The Software Asset Manager is ultimately accountable for the management of software assets throughout their lifecycle, to ensure compliance, reduce costs, and optimize usage.
This role will leverage the Software Asset Management product on the ServiceNow platform.
This role will work in a partnership with product specific software managers, as well as procurement, to refine and enhance software asset management processes, procedures, and governance.
Position Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - 4 days onsite per week)
Job Responsibilities:
  • Provide input and strategic guidance on the global process and governance of software asset management at Morningstar.
  • Collaborate with procurement, security, and IT to develop scalable procedures and policies.
  • Setup, configure, and maintain application, entitlement, and subscription data within ServiceNow's Software Asset Management Professional product to maintain trustworthy and accurate data for each in-scope software title.
  • Routinely review metrics and reporting to identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
  • Work with stakeholders to remediate any identified data inaccuracies or incompleteness to improve trustworthiness and accuracy of data.
  • Oversee the lifecycle of software assets, from acquisition, deployment, reclamation and/or retirement.
  • Provide support and recommendations to software purchasing teams with licensing option evaluations.
  • Provide support in software vendor contract negotiations.
  • Ensure software licensing compliance and maintain documentation for audits.
  • Support audits, compliance reviews, and data reporting related to IT asset and vendor management.
  • Provide training and guidance to other IT staff on Software Asset Management best practices and ServiceNow SAM usage.

Qualifications:
  • 3-6 years of experience in a software asset management role
  • Previous experience working in the ServiceNow platform; ideally with the Software Asset Management product
  • Experience with reviewing and interpreting software license contracts and understanding of licensing terms
  • Ability to analyze data and understand / document how the data impacts the business
  • Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate and communicate with internal stakeholders and external vendors

Compensation and Benefits
At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That's why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:
  • Financial Health
    • 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
    • Stock Ownership Potential
    • Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
  • Physical Health
    • Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
    • Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
    • Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
  • Emotional Health
    • Trust-Based Time Off
    • 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
    • 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
    • Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
    • Adoption Assistance
    • Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
    • Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
    • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Social Health
    • Charitable Matching Gifts program
    • Dollars for Doers volunteer program
    • Paid volunteering days
    • 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range
$89,625.00-131,441.66
Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity

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