Job Description

General Purpose & Essential Duties:

The Software Development Manager is responsible for leading the design, development, and delivery of software applications and system integrations that support Guardian Alarm’s business operations and customer experience. This role manages a team of software engineers while remaining actively involved in technical delivery and solution development. Operating within a broader IT structure that includes Data and Infrastructure teams, the Software Engineering Manager ensures strong execution across the software development lifecycle. This role focuses on delivering high-quality, secure, and scalable solutions while supporting a shared services model that meets the needs of multiple business units.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, manage, and support a team of software engineers, including both entry-level and senior team members.
• Provide ongoing coaching, technical guidance, and performance feedback to support individual and team development.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and skill development of engineering team members.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team environment focused on continuous improvement.

Software Delivery, DevOps & Technical Execution

• Lead the execution of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), ensuring efficient, high-quality delivery aligned with business priorities.
• Design, implement, and optimize CI/CD pipelines, version control practices, and deployment strategies using tools such as GitHub and Azure DevOps.
• Coordinate release schedules and enforce automation practices to improve development velocity and deployment consistency.
• Manage backlog prioritization, sprint planning, and delivery tracking in alignment with CTO direction.
• Establish and monitor key engineering performance metrics, including DORA metrics, development throughput, MTTR (mean time to recovery), and SLA/SLO adherence.

Shared Services Support & Business Alignment

• Support a shared services model by delivering solutions across multiple business units.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into scalable technical solutions.
• Ensure transparency in project status, timelines, and delivery expectations.
• Promote a responsive, service-oriented mindset within the engineering team.

Technical Design, Performance & Architecture Support

• Contribute to application design and architecture with a focus on scalability, performance, and reliability.
• Apply best practices related to system performance, including load handling, caching strategies, and bottleneck identification.
• Utilize knowledge of networking concepts (e.g., DNS, HTTP/S, SSL/TLS, load balancing) to support system design and troubleshooting.
• Support database performance and optimization efforts, including SQL tuning and understanding performance implications.
• Partner with Data and Infrastructure teams to ensure applications integrate effectively and meet operational standards.

Security, Quality & Development Standards

• Ensure adherence to secure software development practices, including implementation of authorization models (e.g., RBAC, ABAC, JWT) and encryption standards for data at rest and in transit.
• Integrate DevSecOps practices, including vulnerability scanning and security testing, into the development lifecycle.
• Promote and enforce secure coding standards aligned with OWASP best practices.
• Ensure proper handling and protection of sensitive data, including PII, PCI, and PHI, through appropriate classification and security controls.
• Monitor and improve code quality through code reviews, automated testing, and defect rate tracking.

Vendor & Resource Coordination

• Support coordination with external vendors and development partners to ensure alignment with project goals and quality standards.
• Assist in resource planning, workload balancing, and prioritization across the engineering team.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and report on engineering team performance, project delivery timelines, and system reliability.
• Provide regular updates to IT leadership on progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Identify and proactively address delivery, performance, or system-related challenges.

Required Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Direct experience in API’s, integrations, dataflow, and data modeling
• 3-5 years of Azure DevOps suite of tools and services.
• Ability to balance technical contributions with team leadership responsibilities.
• Authentication (SSO, OAuth etc.) and data protection (PII, encryption).
• Strong full-stack development background, Rest API, and ability to perform code reviews.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field required.
• 5–8 years of experience in software engineering or application development.
• 3-5 years of DevOps, DevSecOps practices within Azure-based environments.
• 2–4 years of experience in a lead or management role preferred.
• Experience delivering scalable applications and managing system integrations.
• Experience working within Agile or similar development environments.