Software Development Manager (Hybrid in Okemos, MI)

What You'll Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Project Development team, building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. 

• Collaborate on implementing a Scrum-lead structure to scale delivery capacity. 

• Standardize development processes and enforce consistent delivery practices, ensuring predictability and scalability across projects. 

• 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. 

• Drive efficient utilization of developer resources to meet profitability and margin targets. 

• Build and maintain data-driven dashboards to track velocity, defects, utilization, and delivery performance. 

• Ensure compliance with government contract requirements, security standards, and auditability. 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation in process efficiency and delivery quality. 

• Report regularly to senior leadership on delivery outcomes, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

What You'll Bring

• Proven management experience leading development teams in fast-paced, high-growth, or transformational environments. 

• Strong technical foundation in SQL, .NET(C# or VB), JavaScript, and modern software development practices (Agile, Scrum, SAFe). 

• Heightened focus on QA processes, validation, and testing prior to project delivery to customers.  First pass quality mindset. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams (15+ direct reports) and build scalable leadership structures. 

• Experience balancing speed, quality, and profitability in project-based delivery models. 

• Hands-on expertise with Azure DevOps (Repos, Pipelines, Test Plans, and related tools) to manage workflows, track progress, and enforce standards. 

• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to create structure in ambiguous environments. 

• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills - able to influence stakeholders across Product Management, Project Management, Business Operations, and Sales. 

What Success Looks Like

• Projects consistently delivered on time, within scope, with first pass quality, and at defined margin targets. 

• Developer utilization and resource allocation align with company profitability goals. 

• Standardized delivery processes eliminate variability and reduce bottlenecks. 

• Customers report strong satisfaction with delivery quality and timeliness. 

• Team morale and retention remain high, with a strong sense of collaboration and engagement. 

• Clear career paths and development opportunities are in place for all team members. 

What Makes This Role Exciting

• Transformational Impact: You will play a central role in stabilizing and scaling a fast-growing company at a pivotal moment in its journey. 

• 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. 

• Direct Line to Strategy: Your work directly impacts profitability, customer satisfaction, and delivery speed, making you a critical driver of company success. 

• Challenging & Dynamic Environment: If you thrive in chaos, ambiguity, and change, this is your chance to create order, discipline, and lasting impact. 

• 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.