Posted 1 month ago
Software Development Manager (Hybrid in Okemos, MI)
AI Summary
Software Development Manager to lead a project development team, establishing Scrum practices and ensuring on-time, within-scope delivery with high customer satisfaction.
About this role
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a dynamic Software Development Manager to lead Agate’s Project Development team through a critical stage of growth and transformation. This role is about more than managing code delivery - it’s about building a scalable, disciplined development organization that can balance speed, quality, and profitability.What You'll Do
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Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Project Development team, building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
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Collaborate on implementing a Scrum-lead structure to scale delivery capacity.
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Standardize development processes and enforce consistent delivery practices, ensuring predictability and scalability across projects.
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Partner with Product Management and other functional and cross functional stakeholders to balance delivery speed, scope, and customer satisfaction while protecting developer bandwidth and morale.
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Drive efficient utilization of developer resources to meet profitability and margin targets.
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Build and maintain data-driven dashboards to track velocity, defects, utilization, and delivery performance.
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Ensure compliance with government contract requirements, security standards, and auditability.
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Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation in process efficiency and delivery quality.
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Report regularly to senior leadership on delivery outcomes, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
What You'll Bring
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Proven management experience leading development teams in fast-paced, high-growth, or transformational environments.
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Strong technical foundation in SQL, .NET(C# or VB), JavaScript, and modern software development practices (Agile, Scrum, SAFe).
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Heightened focus on QA processes, validation, and testing prior to project delivery to customers. First pass quality mindset.
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Demonstrated ability to manage large teams (15+ direct reports) and build scalable leadership structures.
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Experience balancing speed, quality, and profitability in project-based delivery models.
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Hands-on expertise with Azure DevOps (Repos, Pipelines, Test Plans, and related tools) to manage workflows, track progress, and enforce standards.
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Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to create structure in ambiguous environments.
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Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills - able to influence stakeholders across Product Management, Project Management, Business Operations, and Sales.
What Success Looks Like
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Projects consistently delivered on time, within scope, with first pass quality, and at defined margin targets.
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Developer utilization and resource allocation align with company profitability goals.
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Standardized delivery processes eliminate variability and reduce bottlenecks.
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Customers report strong satisfaction with delivery quality and timeliness.
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Team morale and retention remain high, with a strong sense of collaboration and engagement.
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Clear career paths and development opportunities are in place for all team members.
What Makes This Role Exciting
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Transformational Impact: You will play a central role in stabilizing and scaling a fast-growing company at a pivotal moment in its journey.
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Build Leaders: With one of Agate’s largest teams under your leadership, you will shape the next generation of technical leaders through a pod-lead structure.
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Direct Line to Strategy: Your work directly impacts profitability, customer satisfaction, and delivery speed, making you a critical driver of company success.
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Challenging & Dynamic Environment: If you thrive in chaos, ambiguity, and change, this is your chance to create order, discipline, and lasting impact.
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Mission-Driven Work: Agate’s software powers critical programs in the public sector - you will lead a team whose work makes a tangible difference in communities across the country.
