Interview Questions for Security Development Manager: A Recruiter's Guide

This comprehensive guide compiles insights from professional recruiters, hiring managers, and industry experts on interviewing Security Development Manager candidates. We've analyzed hundreds of real interviews and consulted with HR professionals to bring you the most effective questions and evaluation criteria.

The Security Development Manager oversees the security practices in software development, ensuring that security measures are integrated throughout the development lifecycle. They are responsible for managing a team of security engineers and developers, conducting risk assessments, and implementing strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities within applications. Based on current job market analysis and industry standards, successful Security Development Managers typically demonstrate:

• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Vulnerability Assessment, Threat Modeling, Security Frameworks (OWASP, NIST), Project Management, Incident Response
• 7+ years in software development with at least 3 years in a security-focused role, including team management in a tech environment.
• Leadership, Analytical Thinking, Attention to Detail, Strong Communication Skills, Problem-Solving Aptitude

According to recent market data, the typical salary range for this position is $120,000 - $160,000, with High demand in the market.

Industry-standard screening questions used by hiring teams:

• What attracted you to the Security Development Manager role?
• Walk me through your relevant experience in Cybersecurity / Software Development.
• What's your current notice period?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Are you actively interviewing elsewhere?

These questions are compiled from technical interviews and hiring manager feedback:

• What are the key steps you take to secure a web application during its development?
• Can you explain what OWASP is and its importance in secure development?
• Describe your experience with threat modeling; how do you incorporate it into the SDLC?
• What tools do you recommend for vulnerability scanning and why?

• Understanding of secure coding practices
• Ability to identify and address security vulnerabilities
• Knowledge of compliance standards (ISO, SOC 2)
• Familiarity with security testing tools

• Failing to demonstrate past successful security implementations
• Not being up-to-date with the latest security threats
• Inability to articulate secure coding principles clearly
• Overlooking the importance of collaboration with development teams

Based on research and expert interviews, these behavioral questions are most effective:

• Describe a time when you had to lead a team through a significant security incident. What was your approach?
• How do you prioritize security tasks among competing project deadlines?
• Tell me about a situation where you had to convince senior management to invest in a security initiative. What was your strategy?
• Give an example of a conflict you faced with a development team regarding security practices and how you resolved it.

This comprehensive guide to Security Development Manager interview questions reflects current industry standards and hiring practices. While every organization has its unique hiring process, these questions and evaluation criteria serve as a robust framework for both hiring teams and candidates.