Software Development Senior Manager

The Software Development Senior Manager is a senior technical leader responsible for architecting, building, and operating the firm's cloud-native automation platform. This role requires deep expertise in Azure cloud architecture, distributed systems, and software engineering. This is a technical leadership role first, people management second. This role has a strong background in cloud engineering, platform engineering, or full-stack development background with DevOps expertise.Duties and Responsibilities:Design and evolve the distributed system architecture for the cloud-native automation platform, including Azure Container Apps, Service Bus, PostgreSQL, Redis, and Blob StorageDesign event-driven architectures using Azure Service Bus for high-volume asynchronous processingOptimize platform performance, cost, and operational complexity through architectural improvementsLead .NET backend development including ASP.NET Core APIs, CQRS pattern with MediatR, Entity Framework Core, and FluentValidationConduct code reviews ensuring adherence to SOLID principles, async programming best practices, and distributed systems patternsOwn and evolve multi-stage Azure DevOps YAML pipelines including multi-phase infrastructure deployment, container image builds, and environment-specific deploymentsManage and mentor software engineers, focusing on cloud engineering skill developmentEducation and/or Experience:Required:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or related technical field; or equivalent professional experience with demonstrable cloud architecture expertise.Minimum of 10 years of experience in software engineering, application development, information technology, or a related technical field.Minimum of 6 years of hands-on software engineering experience, including experience developing cloud-based applications and solutions.Minimum of 3 years of direct people management experience, including experience leading and developing software engineering teams.Strong technical foundation with the ability to provide technical guidance, mentor engineers, and effectively delegate while empowering team members to own execution.Experience leading and delivering greenfield/net-new development of enterprise-grade applications and solutions, or comparable large-scale software development initiatives.Experience with modern application development technologies and cloud platforms, including .NET, React, Microsoft Azure, or comparable technologies.Proven ability to mentor software engineers on cloud-native development patterns, distributed systems concepts, and cloud architecture Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts, strategies, and recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.Preferred:A minimum of 6 years of hands-on software engineering experience building cloud-native applications on Azure.A minimum of 3 years of experience with Azure Container Apps, Azure Kubernetes Service(AKS), or equivalent container orchestration platforms.A minimum of 2 years of people management experience leading software engineering teams.Proven track record delivering distributed systems in production using microservices architecture and event-driven patterns.Hands-on experience with Azure Service Bus, Azure database services including Azure SQL Database with Elastic Pools, Azure PostgreSQL Flexible Server, managed identity authentication, connection pooling, and private endpoint configuration.Deep understanding of microservices communication patterns including synchronous asynchronous messaging, event-driven architecture, and service discovery.Proficiency in C# and .NET (minimum .NET 6, preferably .NET 8+) including NET Core Web API with Controllers, Async/await patterns and Task-based asynchronous programming, LINQ and lambda expressions, Dependency injection and Options pattern and Entity Framework Core.Proficiency in TypeScript/JavaScript including js development, Async patterns (Promises, async/await), npm/pnpm package management, Module systems (CommonJS, ES modules) and scripting proficiency in Bash or PowerShell for deployment automation and troubleshooting.Container image build and deployment workflows including Dockerfile optimization, multi-stage builds, and Azure Container Registry integration.Proven ability to mentor software engineers on cloud-native development patterns, distributed systems concepts, and Azure architecture.Strong code review skills with ability to provide constructive feedback on backend APIs, infrastructure code, and integration logic systematic troubleshooting approach for complex distributed systems issues.Strong analytical skills for capacity planning, performance optimization, and cost analysis.Azure CertificationsExpert-level experience with Azure DevOps YAML pipelines including multi-stage pipelines, pipeline templates, variable groups, and environment-based deploymentsAZ-400: Designing and Implementing Microsoft DevOps SolutionsAZ-305: Designing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure SolutionsAZ-204: Developing Solutions for Microsoft AzureAZ-104: Microsoft Azure AdministratorAdvanced Technical Skills:Experience with .NET Aspire for cloud-native application orchestration and service discoveryExperience with CQRS and Mediator patterns (MediatR or equivalent)Event Grid and Event Hubs for event-driven architecturesAgile/Scrum certifications including Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or SAFe AgilistExperience in professional services industry (legal, financial services, accounting, consulting)Understanding of enterprise security and compliance requirements (SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR)Familiarity with legal technology or document management systemsDeep Azure networking expertise including VNETs, subnets, Network Security Groups, private endpoints, Private DNS Zones, VNET peering, Application Gateway, and NAT GatewayAbility to diagnose Azure networking problems including DNS resolution failures, private endpoint connectivity issues, and Application Gateway routing problemsExpert-level Bicep or Terraform proficiency with ability to read, write, and debug complex Infrastructure-as-Code modules (500+ lines)Other Skills and Abilities:The following will also be required of the successful candidate:Strong organizational skillsStrong attention to detailGood judgmentStrong interpersonal communication skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAble to work harmoniously and effectively with othersAble to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretionAble to work under pressureAble to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities#LI-MR1#LI-Hybrid Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the futureThe target salary range for this role is:$141,400 - $230,400 if located in Illinois, New York, or Texas.Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email View email address on click.appcast.io (current employees should contact Human Resources).Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.SummaryLocation: Dallas; New York; Chicago; HoustonType: Full time