What are the responsibilities and job description for the Software Development Manager position at ManhattanLife Insurance & Annuity Company?
Who we are:
ManhattanLife Insurance and Annuity Company was founded in 1850, the Company’s longevity makes it one of the oldest and most reliable health and life insurance companies in the country. Operating successfully for 175 years is a testimony to ManhattanLife’s enduring history, and an indicator of the reliability of our future. ManhattanLife’s headquarters are in Houston, TX and the company is continually growing with multiple office locations nation-wide. ManhattanLife offers attractive employee benefits starting day one, including immediate coverage under our health, dental and vision plans. We offer flexible schedules, including shortened hours on Fridays, free parking, company-wide events, professional development (LOMA testing) and a company-wide wellness program.
Scope and Purpose:
We are seeking a Software Development Manager to lead a talented team of 10 developers in delivering high-quality, scalable software solutions. You’ll guide your team through all stages of the development lifecycle—from concept and design to deployment and ongoing improvement—within a collaborative, Agile environment.
This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives at the intersection of technology, people, and process. You’ll balance technical oversight with coaching and team development, drive best practices in quality and delivery, and partner closely with business and PMO teams to ensure projects are aligned, efficient, and impactful.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead & Develop the Team
- Manage, mentor, and inspire a team of software developers to deliver high-quality results and grow their careers.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee workload management, performance, and individual development plans.
- Deliver Great Software
- Ensure timely, quality delivery of projects using Agile methodologies.
- Provide technical direction in a .NET / JavaScript (Vue.js) environment with MS SQL and MongoDB backends.
- Champion software craftsmanship, scalable architecture, and best coding practices.
- Collaborate Across the Business
- Partner with business teams to understand needs and translate them into actionable development plans.
- Work closely with the PMO to align timelines, priorities, and resources.
- Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes clearly to stakeholders.
- Drive Quality & Performance
- Maintain high standards for software quality through testing, code reviews, and continuous integration.
- Encourage a proactive approach to problem-solving and system optimization.
- Promote process improvements that enhance team velocity and delivery predictability.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent work experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- At least 7 years of experience in software development, including 3 years in a leadership or management role.
- Deep expertise in .NET (C#) and JavaScript frameworks (preferably Vue.js).
- Strong understanding of MS SQL and MongoDB.
- Proven experience managing Agile development teams.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Passion for mentoring others and building high-performing teams.
- Preferred Experience
- Experience working with PMO processes or enterprise project governance.
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and Azure or other cloud platforms.
- Experience leading hybrid or remote software development teams.
Travel Requirements:
This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Houston. Travel is not anticipated for this position.
Professional Development:
- Establish annual objectives for professional growth.
- Keep pace with developments in the discipline.
- Learn and apply technologies that support professional and personal growth.
- Participate in the evaluation process.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, type, and use mouse; reach with hands and arms and talk and/or hear. The employee is required to sit for extended periods of time. The position may require lifting, pulling or moving items weighing upwards of 10 pounds as it relates to office or desk supplies.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones via WebEx, physical phone while in office, and photocopiers when necessary.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement:
ManhattanLife prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE Employer/Vet/Disabled. ManhattanLife values differences. We are committed to fostering an environment that attracts and retains a diverse workforce. With individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ManhattanLife will be better equipped to service our customers, increase innovation, and reduce risks. We encourage the unique perspectives of individuals and are dedicated to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment.