Software Development Manager (Hybrid in Okemos, MI)

Agate Software; Okemos (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing tech firm in Okemos, Michigan, seeks a Software Development Manager to lead its Project Development team through a phase of growth. You will build a disciplined development organization focused on quality, speed, and profitability. The ideal candidate has demonstrated management experience, a solid technical foundation in modern programming practices, and expertise in Azure DevOps. This role offers the opportunity to impact critical social services through innovative software solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven management experience leading development teams in fast-paced environments.
• Strong technical foundation in SQL, .NET (C# or VB), and JavaScript.
• Experience managing large teams (15+ direct reports).
• Hands-on expertise with Azure DevOps for tracking and managing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing Project Development team.
• Implement a Scrum-lead structure to scale delivery capacity.
• Standardize development processes and ensure consistency.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure timely project delivery.
• Build data-driven dashboards to track performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Skills

Management experience

SQL

.NET (C# or VB)

JavaScript

Agile methodologies

Azure DevOps

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Azure DevOps

Job description

Overview

At Agate Software, we are building a better world by revolutionizing how government agencies and nonprofits manage their grant processes. Our solutions empower our customers to maximize resources, drive compliance, and focus on their core missions of distributing millions of dollars in funding for critical social services. Our success is built on Innovation, Integrity, and Impact, and we have been at the forefront of transformative innovation in the grant management industry for over 20 years.

We are seeking the brightest minds to join us in a mission-driven environment. If you are ready to apply your expertise in a dynamic, growth-oriented setting, read on to see how this position aligns with your skills and interests.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a dynamic Software Development Manager to lead Agate’s Project Development team through a critical stage of growth and transformation. This role is about more than managing code delivery — it’s about building a scalable, disciplined development organization that can balance speed, quality, and profitability.

Responsibilities

• 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, Quality Assurance, Project Management, Business Operations, and Sales to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, at strong margins, and with high customer satisfaction.
• 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).
• Focus on QA processes, validation, and testing prior to project delivery to customers; First-pass quality mindset.
• Experience managing large teams (15+ direct reports) and building scalable leadership structures.
• Ability to balance 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.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to create structure in ambiguous environments.
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills 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.

At Agate Software you’ll be part of a team dedicated to making a difference through cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to our impactful work. If you’re ready to contribute to communities in need and grow your career in an inspiring environment, apply today!

Diversity and Work Authorization

Diversity Commitment: As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment with diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives that drive innovation. We encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented communities and diverse identities.

Work Authorization: Some customer assignments may require additional eligibility, vetting, or access approvals based on contract, security, or regulatory requirements.

Additional Information

To all recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.