Software Development Manager - Hybrid in Okemos, MI [SDM-2026-09]

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.

You will oversee a large, diverse team of project developers (10-15 direct reports) and establish a Scrum-lead structure to strengthen leadership capacity. You will partner closely 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.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in transforming chaotic, ambiguous environments into structured, predictable, and scalable operations. You bring a record of accomplishment building high-performing teams, driving process standardization, and delivering measurable results in environments where transformation is the norm.

What You'll Do

• 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 and other functional and cross functional stakeholders to balance delivery speed, scope, and customer satisfaction while protecting developer bandwidth and morale.

• 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).

• Heightened focus on QA processes, validation, and testing prior to project delivery to customers. First pass quality mindset.

• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams (15+ direct reports) and build scalable leadership structures.

• Experience balancing 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.

• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to create structure in ambiguous environments.

• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills - able 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.