Software Development Manager

Ogletree Deakins; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401(k) matching program

Paid Sick Leave

Health and life insurance

Job summary

Ogletree Deakins is seeking a Software Development Manager to lead a team of developers in Kansas City. This role emphasizes leadership, technical guidance, and effective solutions in a dynamic legal environment.

The successful candidate will have over 10 years of experience in software development and a strong background in C#, ASP.NET, and Azure. Competitive benefits and a collaborative culture await the right leader.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional software development experience required.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing software engineering teams.
• Strong background in modern Microsoft technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of full stack software developers.
• Provide technical leadership across applications developed using Microsoft technologies.
• Ensure delivery outcomes including quality and operational stability.

Skills

Team leadership

Full stack development

C#

ASP.NET MVC

Microsoft SQL Server

Agile methodologies

Cloud-native development

AI-assisted development tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Azure DevOps

Git

TFS

Job description

Overview

The Software Development Manager is responsible for leading, mentoring, and managing a team of software developers while remaining deeply grounded in modern software development practices. This role provides technical and people leadership across the design, development, deployment, and ongoing support of enterprise-grade applications supporting the firm’s legal, operational, and client service objectives. The Software Development Manager partners closely with attorneys, practice stakeholders, product owners, Business Analysts and IT leadership to translate strategic priorities into scalable, secure, and reliable technical solutions. This role balances hands-on technical expertise with team leadership, delivery accountability, and continuous improvement across the software development lifecycle.

Essential Functions

• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of full stack software developers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence
• Provide technical leadership across applications developed using C#, .NET Core, ASP.NET MVC, Web API, Blazor, and Microsoft SQL Server
• Oversee design and implementation of secure, high-performing REST APIs and backend services
• Ensure strong database design and SQL Server performance optimization practices across development efforts
• Partner with stakeholders to plan, prioritize, and deliver work using Agile/Scrum and SDLC best practices
• Own delivery outcomes including scope, quality, timelines, and operational stability
• Conduct code reviews, set engineering standards, and ensure adherence to best practices for security, performance, and maintainability
• Support production systems, oversee incident resolution, and ensure root-cause analysis and long-term remediation
• Guide the effective use of AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity while maintaining engineering rigor
• Collaborate with DevOps resources on CI/CD pipelines using Git, TFS, and Azure DevOps
• Oversee development and deployment of solutions hosted in Microsoft Azure environments
• Hire, onboard, coach, and develop engineering talent, including performance management and career development

Requirements

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing software engineering teams
• Strong technical credibility across modern Microsoft development technologies
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to balance hands-on technical guidance with people and delivery management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on business outcomes
• High standards for quality, security, performance, and operational reliability

Product & Delivery Expertise

• End-to-end software delivery leadership across the full SDLC
• Agile and Scrum leadership, including sprint planning and delivery execution
• Modern architecture patterns including REST APIs and service-oriented designs
• Advanced SQL Server performance tuning and data architecture
• Cloud-native development and deployment using Microsoft Azure
• Experience integrating external platforms and APIs, including Salesforce.com (preferred)
• Responsible and effective use of AI as a software development and management tool

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a reputable accredited college or university required
• 10+ years of professional software development experience required
• Demonstrated experience managing and mentoring software development teams required
• Strong background in C#, .NET Core, ASP.NET MVC, Web API, SQL Server, and Azure required

Benefits

In accordance with various state pay and wage transparency laws, salary ranges are provided as part of each location-specific posting. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. Ogletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our staff including: Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, a 401(k) matching program, Profit Sharing, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, health and life insurance including dental & vision coverage, Health Savings Account / Flexible Spending Accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, Tuition Reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program.

Contact Information

If you have questions, please e-mail Libby Naikelis at [e-mail] with "Software Development Manager" in the subject line. Applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.

Firm Overview

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Equal Opportunity Employer.