The rise of AI in software development isn’t just transforming how engineers write code—it’s fundamentally reshaping what it means to lead engineering teams.
As a Senior Engineering Manager working in a high-paced, product-centric environment, I’ve seen firsthand how AI tools are changing the rhythm of development. But what gets less attention is how the role of the engineering manager is evolving in response.
Here’s how I see it:
From Task Management to Talent Enablement
AI is taking on more of the tactical burden—suggesting boilerplate code, automating tests, and surfacing insights from PRs. That means managers must shift away from micro-planning and toward enabling creative, impactful work. It’s about removing blockers, not assigning tasks.
✅ New Priority: Build environments that encourage experimentation, innovation, and human creativity.
Coaching in the Age of Co-Coding
When an engineer leans on AI for suggestions, it can accelerate delivery—but also introduce a subtle risk: knowledge gaps. Managers now need to coach not just on code quality, but on how to validate AI-generated work, how to ask the right questions, and when to trust vs. verify.
✅ New Priority: Mentor teams on being discerning users of AI, not just consumers.
Rethinking Metrics and Performance
Traditional engineering metrics—like lines of code or PR counts—are losing relevance in an AI-assisted world. As AI starts doing more “visible work,” the manager’s job becomes one of evaluating impact, clarity of thinking, and product intuition over raw output.
✅ New Priority: Use data to support, not surveil. Focus on outcomes, not activity.
Reclaiming Time for Strategic Thinking
Ironically, AI might be giving engineering managers a rare gift: time. Time we used to spend in status meetings, reviewing boilerplate code, or syncing across dependencies is now being freed up. That’s an opportunity to think longer-term—about team design, architectural decisions, and org strategy.
✅ New Priority: Lead like a Director. Look beyond your team and think about scalable systems, not just immediate deliverables.
Cultivating Psychological Safety Through Change
Rapid adoption of AI can feel threatening. Will I be replaced? Am I falling behind? Great leaders address those fears head-on—creating space for learning, failure, and open conversation.
✅ New Priority: Make room for emotional intelligence. Leadership is more human than ever.
AI won’t replace engineering managers—but managers who embrace AI will likely outpace those who don’t. The challenge ahead isn’t learning a new tool; it’s stepping into a new mindset—one where we lead with trust, amplify human strengths, and help our teams thrive in a world of accelerating change.
Are you seeing this shift too? I’d love to hear how your role is evolving with AI on the rise.
Disclaimer: This article was enhanced with the support of AI writing tools to help improve clarity, structure, and flow. All ideas and perspectives are my own.
Originally posted here on LinkedIn
