A Moving Experience.

Role Overview

The Senior Director, Software Engineering is responsible for leading the development, delivery, and lifecycle management of software products and platforms. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across engineering teams, ensuring high-quality, scalable, and secure software solutions aligned with business objectives.

The position combines technical leadership, organizational management, and cross-functional collaboration to drive execution across multiple development programs and product areas.

Scope of Responsibility

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 and development centers, where applicable
Drive alignment with product management, program management, and other business functions

Key Responsibilities

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

Qualifications & Experience

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

Leadership Capabilities

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 Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNC and www.cerence.com) is the global industry leader in creating unique, moving experiences for the automotive world. Spun out from Nuance in October 2019, Cerence is a new, independent company that has quickly gained traction as a leader in the automotive voice assistant space, working with all of the world’s leading automakers – from Ford and Fiat Chrysler to Daimler, Audi and BMW to Geely and SAIC – to transform how a car feels, responds and learns. Its track record is built on more than 20 years of industry experience and leadership and more than 500 million cars on the road today across more than 70 languages.

As Cerence looks to the future and continues an ambiti

Senior Director Software Engineering

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