ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Software Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Morningstar, Inc.

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 ...

Actalent

Software Engineering Manager

Itasca, IL

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 ...

New

CHAMPRO

Software Development Manager

Bannockburn, IL · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

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 ...

New

Jobtailor

Manager, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Managing software design and application updates * Implementing key performance indicators for development processes * Monitoring industry technological developments * Developing proposals, software ...

New

CHAMPRO

Software Development Manager

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

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 ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware JobsSoftware Manager JobsSoftware Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 17, 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.
More about Software Manager jobs
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 are popular job titles related to Software Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Software Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Software Manager 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:
Software Manager jobs near you
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.
Senior Software Manager / .NET / Chicago

Senior Software Manager / .NET / Chicago

Motion Recruitment

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

This is a full-time opportunity based in Chicago, IL with a forward-thinking organization focused on building a cloud-native automation platform in Microsoft Azure. The company is investing in modern distributed systems leveraging technologies like .NET, Azure Container Apps, Service Bus, PostgreSQL, Redis, and event-driven architecture to power scalable business operations.
This role stands out because it blends deep technical ownership with leadership. The team is seeking an experienced engineering leader who enjoys staying hands-on while mentoring others. You will play a key role in shaping architecture, driving engineering best practices, and guiding a team toward building highly scalable and efficient systems. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to influence both technology direction and team growth in a modern cloud environment.
Required Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience
  • 6+ years building cloud-native applications within Azure
  • Strong experience with distributed systems and microservices architecture
  • 3+ years working with container orchestration platforms such as AKS or Azure Container Apps
  • 2+ years of people management experience
  • Proficiency in C# and modern .NET including ASP.NET Core and Entity Framework
  • Experience designing event-driven systems using messaging platforms such as Azure Service Bus
  • Strong understanding of API design, async programming, and system scalability
  • Experience with Azure DevOps pipelines and CI/CD automation
  • Hands-on experience with Docker and container-based deployments
Desired Skills and Experience
  • Azure certifications such as AZ-400, AZ-305, or AZ-204
  • Experience with CQRS, MediatR, and modern design patterns
  • Familiarity with .NET Aspire and cloud-native orchestration tools
  • Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code such as Bicep or Terraform
  • Knowledge of Azure networking including private endpoints and VNET configurations
  • Experience in highly regulated industries
What You Will Be Doing
  • Design and enhance cloud-native distributed system architecture
  • Lead backend development across .NET and scalable API design
  • Drive event-driven architecture strategies using Azure messaging services
  • Optimize application performance, scalability, and cost efficiency
  • Guide CI/CD pipeline development and infrastructure automation
  • Mentor and develop engineers while promoting best practices
Tech Breakdown
70% Azure and Cloud-Native Technologies
30% Application Development and Architecture
Daily Responsibilities
60% Hands On Engineering and Architecture
20% Team Leadership and Mentorship
20% Cross-Team Collaboration
The Offer
Bonus eligible
You will receive the following benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation Time
Equity or Stock Options
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis now and in the future

Apply