Manager, Software Development

First Merchants Bank is seeking a Manager, Software Development to join our team! This position will manage all activities related to the design, development, testing, documentation, deployment, and maintenance of internally developed software applications and technology solutions. This includes extensive work designing, implementing, and maintaining API-driven architectures, ensuring reliable, secure, and scalable integrations across enterprise systems.

As part of this role you will:

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Software Development team focused on quality, velocity, compliance, and secure engineering practices.
• Manage workload distribution, sprint planning, performance expectations, and career development for team members.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and adherence to enterprise SDLC standards.
• Oversee the end-to-end software development lifecycle, ensuring compliance with organizational SDLC requirements, including planning, requirements documentation, design reviews, development, testing, and deployment.
• Ensure development teams follow secure coding practices, peer code review standards, Git workflows and unit testing expectations.
• Drive the development of robust, scalable, secure, and easy-to-use web-based and API-driven applications that meet business requirements and architectural direction.
• Oversee API-driven architecture and RESTful service development.
• Lead system integration design efforts including APIs, microservices, and service components.
• Champion API-first design and reusable service patterns.
• Lead tactical planning and continuous improvement efforts for SDLC processes, coding standards, testing frameworks, and development tooling.
• Identify and execute efficiency gains, technical debt reduction opportunities, and modernization initiatives.
• Maintain strong relationships across Technology and business units to ensure solution alignment, clear communication, and effective delivery.
• Provide technical leadership and consultation to business partners regarding solution design, feasibility, and prioritization.
• Ensure development practices align with security standards, audit expectations, and regulatory requirements (including SOX and data classification guidance).
• Maintain readiness for internal/external audit requests, SDLC evidence reviews, and architectural governance checkpoints.

In order to be successful in this position, we require the following:

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED)
• A minimum of seven (7) years of software development experience, including a minimum of three (3) years of management experience.

The following would be a plus:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field of study
• Five (5) years of software development management experience
• Software Development or Agile Certifications

First Merchants offers the following:

• Base Pay PLUS Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Additional Benefits

A little about us:

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.

Our Vision is:

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.

Our Mission is:

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.

Our Team:

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."

Apply today to begin your career with us!