The Sr. Manager, Software Engineering leads multiple software engineering teams and the managers or senior engineers who run them, setting technical direction and delivery priorities for a defined business area. This role builds high-performing teams and drives the quality, reliability and timely delivery of the software that powers Nelnet products and operations. The role partners with internal stakeholders to translate business strategy into scalable, secure solutions.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead multiple software engineering teams, including managers and senior engineers, to deliver committed outcomes on schedule and within quality standards.

Lead the integration of this team into Nelnet Campus Commerce's broader engineering organization, aligning structure, practices, and standards as the two come together.

Set team objectives, measures and priorities aligned to business and technology strategy and adjust as needs change.

Shape technical direction and engineering standards with architecture partners, driving consistent practices in design, code quality, testing, security and release management.

Drive hands-on adoption of AI-assisted development as a core team priority, identifying where AI tooling genuinely changes how the team builds, tests, and ships software, and building the practices to do that responsibly.

Champion continuous improvement, including automation, DevOps practices and the responsible adoption of new technologies such as AI-assisted development.

Build and develop talent by hiring, coaching, conducting performance evaluations, recommending compensation changes and growing a leadership bench.

Partner with key internal stakeholders to define roadmaps, estimate effort and manage trade-offs, risks and dependencies across teams.

Oversee team staffing plans, capacity and budget, and make sound resource and vendor decisions.

Drive operational excellence by monitoring application performance, resolving escalations and removing organizational impediments.

Foster an inclusive, learning-oriented culture that reflects company core values and builds a shared purpose across teams.

Annual compensation range for this role is $150,000-$165,000 depending on experience.

This position offers a hybrid work option. Nelnet values flexibility and understands the importance of work-life integration. Our hybrid work environment allows associates living within 30 miles of an office location to work remotely for part of the week, while also fostering collaboration and team connection through in-office presence three days per week.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. To be considered, candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

EXPERIENCE

Required

8+ years of software development or engineering experience, including delivery of enterprise applications.

4+ years of people leadership experience, including leading managers or multiple teams.

Demonstrated success partnering with product and business stakeholders on roadmap and delivery.

Preferred

Hands-on experience introducing AI-assisted tools or practices into a software engineering team's workflow.

Experience with cloud platforms, CI/CD and modern engineering practices.

Experience in financial services, education technology or other regulated environments.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

Strategic thinking: connects technical decisions to business outcomes and long-term architecture.

Leadership of leaders: builds, coaches and holds managers accountable for results.

Influence and collaboration: aligns cross-functional partners and senior stakeholders.

Sound judgment in solving complex, ambiguous problems and managing risk.

Agility and bias toward action: delivers outcomes and adapts to change.

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: Benefits & Perks - Nelnet Inc

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Sr Manager - Software Engineering