Senior Director Software Engineering

Role Overview

Senior Director, Software Engineering leads the development, delivery, and lifecycle management of software products and platforms across engineering teams. The role provides strategic and operational leadership to deliver high-quality, scalable, secure software solutions aligned with business objectives.

Lead end‑to‑end software engineering delivery across one or more product or platform domains. Oversee multiple concurrent development programs from concept through production and maintenance. Ensure scalable, reliable, and secure software architecture and delivery practices. Manage geographically distributed engineering teams. Drive alignment with product management, program management, and other business functions.

• Engineering Leadership:
  Lead the design, development, and delivery of software applications, platforms, and services. Ensure adoption of best practices in software engineering, including architecture, coding standards, and testing. Maintain focus on scalability, performance, security, and reliability.
• Delivery & Execution:
  Own delivery of engineering roadmaps across multiple programs and releases. Ensure predictable execution, quality outcomes, and adherence to timelines. Monitor key performance indicators related to engineering productivity, quality, and delivery.
• Organizational Leadership:
  Build, lead, and develop high‑performing engineering teams. Establish clear operating models, governance, and accountability structures. Develop leadership capabilities within the organization and support succession planning.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with Product Management, Program Management, and other stakeholders to align priorities and execution. Support effective communication and coordination across functions and geographies. Contribute to defining and prioritizing the product and technology roadmap.
• Operational Excellence:
  Drive continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and methodologies. Promote efficient resource utilization and delivery effectiveness. Ensure compliance with company policies, security standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Extensive experience in software engineering leadership, including managing large or distributed teams.
• Proven track record of delivering complex software products or platforms.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle, architecture principles, and development methodologies.
• Experience managing multiple programs or product lines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strategic thinking and execution focus. Ability to lead through complexity and scale. Strong stakeholder management and influence across functions.
• Talent development and organizational leadership.

Cerence is a firm Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, genetic information, and other protected classifications. Cerence Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.