Software Development Manager in Surrey

As a Software Development Manager, you will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of technical projects within your team. You’ll collaborate with Product, UX, and other stakeholders to prioritize work, guide technical direction, and ensure smooth delivery. You’ll also support the growth and well-being of team members through coaching, feedback, and development opportunities. Your leadership will help the team navigate challenges, align with product goals, and continuously improve their practices and performance. This is a people-first leadership role for someone who is passionate about developing talent, supporting delivery, and fostering collaboration. You’ll also serve as a bridge between your team and the broader organization, helping align business needs with technical implementation. This is a hybrid role based out of Safe Software's Surrey, BC headquarters. We have an immediate opening and are excited to find the right candidate to join our team. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Even if you don’t meet every requirement listed, we value your unique experiences and perspectives.

The FME Engine team builds and maintains the core of Safe Software’s FME platform, the technology that powers data integration for organizations around the world. As SDM, you’ll lead two Engine teams, which build many of the transformers at the heart of FME. It’s computational, algorithm-rich work written primarily in C++ within the FME codebase. Both teams are strong and highly collaborative, with a habit of tackling problems together rather than working in silos, and they’re looking for a leader who will nurture that culture.

As a Software Development Manager, FME Engine, you will:

• Lead a team of developers through coaching, feedback, and professional development.
• Collaborate with Product, UX, and technical stakeholders to define and prioritize work.
• Act as product owner for your teams, partnering with Product Managers to manage the backlog, prioritize features and internal improvements, and bring planned work to your teams.
• Oversee technical delivery, helping manage project flow and addressing risks early.
• Support architecture and design discussions to ensure alignment and inclusion of team voices.
• Build a positive, inclusive team culture centred on collaboration and shared ownership.
• Guide hiring, onboarding, and team growth with a focus on skill development and values alignment.
• Champion continuous improvement and openness to change in tools, practices, and communication, including AI-assisted ways of working.
• Act as a liaison between your team and other parts of the organization, advocating for both team and business needs.

At Safe Software, we welcome diverse backgrounds and experiences. While not all candidates will have everything listed, the most successful candidates will bring many of the following:

• 7+ years in software development, including 3+ years leading software teams as a people manager, team lead, or similar role. Direct people management experience strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of Agile development practices and software system design.
• Strong working knowledge of C++, enough to understand the scope and design of your teams’ work. Hands-on coding is welcome but not expected.
• Product owner experience in an Agile environment, including backlog management and feature prioritization.
• Demonstrated interest and practical experience in adopting AI tools within a development team.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a focus on empathy and clarity.
• Demonstrated ability to support team health and build inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Ability to balance technical direction with team and business priorities.

Nice to Have:

• Exposure to Python, particularly for test frameworks.
• Familiarity with Safe Software’s platform or similar technical domains.
• Involvement in mentoring, DEI, or culture-building initiatives.
• Knowledge of hiring practices, onboarding, and team-building techniques.
• Experience with AI Coding Agents (e.g. Claude Code, GitHub Copilot).

When you choose a career with Safe Software, you’re also choosing meaningful work, a supportive environment, social responsibility, learning & career development, flexible working hours, work-life balance, health & wellness benefits, family support, shared success, and an accessible commute.

Safe Software transforms organizations with FME, the only All-Data Any-AI Enterprise Integration Platform connecting all your data, anywhere, at any velocity. With over 30 years of expertise and 25,000+ enterprise customers across 125+ countries, we simplify your data journey, wherever it leads. Founded in 1993, Safe is headquartered in Surrey, BC with over 300 team members and counting. We’re always looking for talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are determined to learn and grow. Are you ready to join the team?

Safe Software is an equal opportunity employer and we truly believe that innovation and strength begin with diversity and inclusion. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, disability, national or ethnic origin, political belief, religion, or family status. Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact hr_dept@safe.com.