TECHNICAL MANAGER - Engineering

Software Engineering Manager (SEM)

The Software Engineering Manager (SEM) is a leader who focuses on the growth, well-being, and performance of people while ensuring reliable, predictable delivery of high-quality software. This role combines people management, delivery leadership, competence leadership, and technical leadership, and typically operates across one or two engineering teams in an Engineering Team Lead (ETL - aka Scrum Master) capacity.

The SEM aligns engineering execution with business objectives and customer needs, fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning, and acts as a trusted partner to Product, Technology, and Senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

·       The Software Engineering Manager is accountable for building, developing, and sustaining high-performing engineering teams.

·       Apply the talent framework to identify, recruit, onboard, and retain the right mix of skills, experience, and potential.

·       Actively engage and retain team members by fostering psychological safety, inclusion, and trust.

·       Organize and contribute to onboarding and continuous training of new and existing team members.

·       Support career growth by aligning challenging, impactful work with individual strengths, skills, and interests.

·       Set clear objectives and expectations; address performance issues constructively with appropriate support.

·       Provide continuous, real-time (360°) feedback, coaching, and mentoring to drive high performance and development.

·       Encourage and support readiness for next-level roles by facilitating stretch assignments and growth opportunities.

·       Champion team members across the organization, advocating for their success and visibility with (senior) leadership.

Delivery Management (Engineering Team Lead Scope)

·       In the ETL role, the SEM ensures transparent planning and predictable delivery while continuously improving team processes.

·       Work closely with the team leadership triangle (Product Owner, Tech Lead, and ETL) to define objectives, plans, and priorities.

·       Guide discovery, quarterly planning, and execution by aligning scope with team capacity and business priorities.

·       Ensure a healthy, well-groomed backlog with clear Definition of Ready (DoR) and Definition of Done (DoD).

·       Proactively identify, manage, and communicate risks, dependencies, and impediments.

·       Prepare and lead delivery syncs, clearly highlighting progress, deviations, and proposed adjustments.

·       Organize regular demos and updates to ensure stakeholder alignment and transparency.

·       Optimize team processes (e.g., Scrum, quarterly cycles) to improve predictability, quality, and sustainability of delivery.

·       Promote continuous improvement, efficiency, and waste reduction across delivery workflows.

Competence Leadership

·       The SEM contributes to the development and consistent application of engineering disciplines and standards.

·       Ensure engineering practices, processes, and deliverables meet quality, security, and compliance requirements.

·       Promote shared standards, tools, and best practices within and across teams.

·       Foster a learning culture that encourages experimentation, reflection, and continuous improvement.

·       Support competence development through coaching, feedback, and targeted learning initiatives.

·       Help create and oversee team budgets, engaging in responsible cost management.

·       Advocate for the resources, tooling, and capabilities teams need to succeed.

Technical Leadership

·       While not the primary technical decision-maker, the SEM provides technical leadership in close collaboration with Tech Leads.

·       Partner with Tech Leads to onboard and mentor engineers and support technical growth.

·       Help troubleshoot complex delivery or technical challenges when escalation or coordination is required.

Qualifications

·       The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of leadership, delivery management, and engineering expertise, coupled with a passion for developing people and building high-performing teams.

·       Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

·       5+ years of experience managing software engineering teams in a SaaS or technology-driven environment.

·       Proven experience in people management, career development, and performance coaching.

·       Strong background in delivery management within agile, cross-functional, and potentially distributed teams.

·       Solid understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and modern engineering practices.

·       Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.