Director, Software Development

The Descartes; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics technology company is seeking a Director of Software Development to provide strategic leadership and oversee the development of high-quality applications. Candidates should possess over 10 years of experience in software development with strong technical and leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to influence the future of logistics within a dynamic team.

Benefits

Bonus compensation

Professional development opportunities

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in software development with a leadership role.
• Proven track record in leading teams in building enterprise-grade applications.
• Strong technical foundation in architecture and design.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for software development.
• Coach and mentor engineering managers and teams.
• Ensure delivery of scalable and secure applications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Job description

Overview

Descartes unites the people and technology that move the world. By combining innovative technology, trade intelligence, and a global network, Descartes helps get goods, information, transportation assets, and people where they’re needed, when they’re needed.

We’re one of the most broadly deployed logistics and supply chain technology companies in the world. More than 26,000 customers use our cloud-based solutions to transform the way they move inventory and information. Descartes is publicly traded (Nasdaq: DSGX, TSX: DSG) with headquarters in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and offices and partners around the world. We lead the industry in innovation investment and provide a comprehensive solution footprint to move what’s most important to our customers.

We’re growing fast and invite you to join our amazing team.

About the Role

Director, Software Development

Location: Canada

Reports To: SVP, R&D Fleet Solutions

Salary Range: $120,000 CAD to $150,000 CAD plus Bonus. Compensation information provided is a good faith estimate for this position only. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills as well as the years of experience you have. Similar positions located in different geographic regions will not necessarily receive the same compensation or same currency.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic direction and leadership within the RMT software development organization.
2. Coach, mentor, and develop engineering managers and senior technical staff, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and collaboration.
3. Ensure delivery of high-quality, scalable, and secure applications that meet business objectives and customer needs.
4. Partner with product management and sales teams to understand market opportunities, contribute to technical discussions, and support key initiatives.
5. Build and maintain a strong, engaged, and motivated team by emphasizing inclusion, professional development, and long-term retention.
6. Oversee the evolution of an existing core application, balancing innovation with stability and performance.
7. Represent the technology organization in cross-functional discussions, providing insight on architecture, design, and delivery practices.

Qualifications

1. 10+ years of progressive experience in software development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role (e.g., Director, Senior Manager).
2. Proven track record of leading large teams building enterprise-grade SaaS or mission-critical applications.
3. Strong technical foundation; able to understand and contribute to discussions on architecture, design patterns, and emerging technologies.
4. Demonstrated success in developing talent and retaining high-performing engineering teams.
5. Experience working closely with sales, product, and customers to align technology with business opportunities.
6. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
7. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field.

Required Aptitudes

We assess all candidates using our hiring framework, which emphasizes the following aptitudes:

1. Smarts: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to navigate complexity.
2. Curiosity: Eagerness to learn, adapt, and explore new technologies and approaches.
3. Coachability: Openness to feedback and demonstrated growth mindset.
4. Work Ethic: Driven, dependable, and resilient in the face of challenges.
5. Track Record: Proven history of delivering impactful results at scale.
6. Responsibility: Ownership and accountability for both people and outcomes.
7. Honesty: Integrity and transparency in leadership and decision-making.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to play an important role in shaping the future of a key product line within a global leader in logistics technology. You’ll have the chance to influence not just the technology but also the people and culture that make long-term success possible.

Join Us

As we scale, we’re looking for new doers, collaborators and innovators to join Descartes in uniting the people and technology that move the world as the Global Leader in Logistics and Supply Chain Technology. We’re entrepreneurial, hardworking, and solve problems in a collaborative, value-driven environment. We nurture a TEAM focused culture that invests in people and creates opportunities for advancement across a broad spectrum of career paths. We prioritize work-life balance and foster an environment with space to take ownership and to carve a path for individual accomplishments.

Descartes also has a deep sense of environmental responsibility. Learn more about how we helped our customers save over 552,000 metric tons of CO2 in 2020 by reducing fuel and paper consumption: https://www.descartes.com/who-we-are/social-responsibility-sustainability/environmental-impact.

If you feel you have 70% of the qualifications we are looking for, and Descartes sounds like the team and the mission you want to be part of, apply now. We can’t promise it will be a fit, but we do promise to consider your experience.

Hiring Process and Equal Opportunity

Through COVID-19, we implemented a virtual hiring process and continue to interview and onboard candidates by video using Microsoft TEAMS. We record interviews and use them strictly for quality assurance, training and general record keeping purposes. Should you have any questions about this process, please connect with our hiring team in advance of scheduled interviews. We value the safety of each member of our community because we know we’re all in this together.

We are an Equal Employment employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please review our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics at Descartes.com. Descartes is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. Applicants in North America with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can email us at [e-mail]. Provide your name and contact information along with the accommodation needed to assist you with the application process. Your request will be responded to as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.