Sr Manager - Software Engineering

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology and education services to more than 1,200 higher education institutions, nearly 12,000 K-12 schools, and millions of individual students, families, and supporters across the globe. Our culture of service enables us to form long-lasting and trusted partnerships, while our focus on creativity and innovative solutions empowers our customer communities to thrive.

The Sr. Manager, Software Engineering leads multiple software engineering teams and the managers or senior engineers who run them, setting technical direction and delivery priorities for a defined business area. This role builds high-performing teams and drives the quality, reliability and timely delivery of the software that powers Nelnet products and operations. The role partners with internal stakeholders to translate business strategy into scalable, secure solutions.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead multiple software engineering teams, including managers and senior engineers, to deliver committed outcomes on schedule and within quality standards. 

• Lead the integration of this team into Nelnet Campus Commerce's broader engineering organization, aligning structure, practices, and standards as the two come together. 

• Set team objectives, measures and priorities aligned to business and technology strategy and adjust as needs change. 

• Shape technical direction and engineering standards with architecture partners, driving consistent practices in design, code quality, testing, security and release management. 

• Drive hands-on adoption of AI-assisted development as a core team priority, identifying where AI tooling genuinely changes how the team builds, tests, and ships software, and building the practices to do that responsibly. 

• Champion continuous improvement, including automation, DevOps practices and the responsible adoption of new technologies such as AI-assisted development. 

• Build and develop talent by hiring, coaching, conducting performance evaluations, recommending compensation changes and growing a leadership bench. 

• Partner with key internal stakeholders to define roadmaps, estimate effort and manage trade-offs, risks and dependencies across teams. 

• Oversee team staffing plans, capacity and budget, and make sound resource and vendor decisions. 

• Drive operational excellence by monitoring application performance, resolving escalations and removing organizational impediments. 

• Foster an inclusive, learning-oriented culture that reflects company core values and builds a shared purpose across teams. 

Annual compensation range for this role is $150,000-$165,000 depending on experience.

This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates living within 30 miles of an office location to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days per week.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

EXPERIENCE 

Required 

• 8+ years of software development or engineering experience, including delivery of enterprise applications. 

• 4+ years of people leadership experience, including leading managers or multiple teams. 

• Demonstrated success partnering with product and business stakeholders on roadmap and delivery. 

Preferred 

• Hands-on experience introducing AI-assisted tools or practices into a software engineering team's workflow. 

• Experience with cloud platforms, CI/CD and modern engineering practices. 

• Experience in financial services, education technology or other regulated environments. 

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS 

• Strategic thinking: connects technical decisions to business outcomes and long-term architecture. 

• Leadership of leaders: builds, coaches and holds managers accountable for results. 

• Influence and collaboration: aligns cross-functional partners and senior stakeholders. 

• Sound judgment in solving complex, ambiguous problems and managing risk. 

• Agility and bias toward action: delivers outcomes and adapts to change.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone.  

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or [email protected].

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring

We may use automated or artificial intelligence enabled tools to assist with the initial review of applications, such as identifying relevant skills or experience. These tools are used to support human review and do not make hiring decisions. A recruiter reviews applications and determines which candidates move forward in the hiring process. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Pre-Use Notice: Automated Tools in Hiring