Role Overview
The Senior Director, Software Engineering is responsible for leading the development, delivery, and lifecycle management of software products and platforms. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across engineering teams, ensuring high-quality, scalable, and secure software solutions aligned with business objectives.
The position combines technical leadership, organizational management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive execution across multiple development programs and product areas.
Scope of Responsibility
Lead end-to-end software engineering delivery across one or more product or platform domains
Oversee multiple concurrent development programs from concept through production and maintenance
Ensure scalable, reliable, and secure software architecture and delivery practices
Manage geographically distributed engineering teams and development centers, where applicable
Drive alignment with product management, program management, and other business functions
Key Responsibilities
1. Engineering LeadershipLead the design, development, and delivery of software applications, platforms, and services
Ensure adoption of best practices in software engineering, including architecture, coding standards, and testing
Maintain focus on scalability, performance, security, and reliability
Own delivery of engineering roadmaps across multiple programs and releases
Ensure predictable execution, quality outcomes, and adherence to timelines
Monitor key performance indicators related to engineering productivity, quality, and delivery
Build, lead, and develop high-performing engineering teams
Establish clear operating models, governance, and accountability structures
Develop leadership capabilities within the organization and support succession planning
Partner with Product Management, Program Management, and other stakeholders to align priorities and execution
Support effective communication and coordination across functions and geographies
Contribute to defining and prioritizing the product and technology roadmap
Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and methodologies
Promote efficient resource utilization and delivery effectiveness
Ensure compliance with company policies, security standards, and regulatory requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Extensive experience in software engineering leadership, including managing large or distributed teams
Proven track record of delivering complex software products or platforms
Strong understanding of software development lifecycle, architecture principles, and development methodologies
Experience managing multiple programs or product lines simultaneously
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Leadership Capabilities
Strategic thinking and execution focus
Ability to lead through complexity and scale
Strong stakeholder management and influence across functions
Talent development and organizational leadership
Cerence Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNC and www.cerence.com) is the global industry leader in creating unique, moving experiences for the automotive world. Spun out from Nuance in October 2019, Cerence is a new, independent company that has quickly gained traction as a leader in the automotive voice assistant space, working with all of the world’s leading automakers – from Ford and Fiat Chrysler to Daimler, Audi and BMW to Geely and SAIC – to transform how a car feels, responds and learns. Its track record is built on more than 20 years of industry experience and leadership and more than 500 million cars on the road today across more than 70 languages.
As Cerence looks to the future and continues an ambitious growth agenda, we need someone to join the team and help build the future of voice and AI in cars. This is an exciting opportunity to join Cerence’s passionate, dedicated, global team and be a part of meaningful innovation in a rapidly growing industry.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERCerence is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all federal, state and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, genetic information and other protected classifications. Cerence Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
All prospective and current Employees need to remain vigilant when it comes to executing security policies in the workplace. This includes:
- Following workplace security protocols and training programs to familiarize with the ways to maintain a safe workplace.
- Following security procedures to report any suspicious activity.
- Having respect for corporate security procedures to allow those procedures to be effective.
- Adhering to company's compliance and regulations.
- Encouraging to follow a zero tolerance for workplace violence.
- Basic knowledge of information security and data privacy requirements (e.g., how to protect data & how to be handling this data).
- Demonstrative knowledge of information security through internal training programs.
Skills Required
- Extensive experience in software engineering leadership, including managing large or distributed teams
- Proven track record of delivering complex software products or platforms
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycle, architecture principles, and development methodologies
- Experience managing multiple programs or product lines simultaneously
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Basic knowledge of information security and data privacy requirements
- Demonstrative knowledge of information security through internal training programs
Cerence Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cerence Inc. and has not been reviewed or approved by Cerence Inc..
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare is described as strong and affordable, with mentions of a great health care plan and wellness support. Feedback suggests these offerings contribute to work-life balance and peace of mind.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Lifestyle perks such as gym membership reimbursement and transit subsidies are highlighted as meaningful add-ons. Feedback suggests these perks enhance the overall rewards package.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Bonuses and equity incentives, including spot awards, short-term incentive targets, and ESPP, are cited as part of total rewards. Feedback suggests these programs are a notable component beyond base pay.
Cerence Inc. Insights
What We Do
Cerence (NASDAQ: CRNC) is the global industry leader in creating unique, moving experiences for the mobility world. As an innovation partner to the world’s leading automakers and mobility OEMs, it is helping advance the future of connected mobility through intuitive, powerful interaction between humans and their cars, two-wheelers, and even elevators, connecting consumers’ digital lives to their daily journeys no matter where they are. Cerence’s track record is built on more than 20 years of knowledge and more than 400 million cars shipped with Cerence technology. Whether it’s connected cars, autonomous driving, e-vehicles, or buildings, Cerence is mapping the road ahead.
