What is an IT manager?
An IT manager is someone who is responsible for the overall performance of a company’s electronic networks. They help determine the IT needs of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to fulfill the organization’s information systems requirements.
How to become an IT manager?
To become an IT manager, you could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a job as a trainee network manager. Relevant subjects include computer networking and security networks and communications systems, computer science, digital communications and networks
For the entry requirements, you’ll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
IT manager duties
IT manager duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Plan, organize, control and evaluate IT and electronic data operations
- Manage IT staff by recruiting, training and coaching employees, communicating job expectations and appraising their performance
- Assess vendors and develop test strategies for new hardware and software
- Troubleshoot hardware and software issues related to internal IT
- Directs technological research by studying organization goals, strategies, practices, and user projects
- Completes projects by coordinating resources and timetables with user departments and data center
- Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards
- Maintains a safe and secure work environment
IT manager skills
To be an effective IT manager, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Problem solving
- Data center management
- Understand strategy, business functions, decision-making and workflow
- Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- Knowledge of systems analysis and development
- Thorough and pay attention to detail
How to find an IT manager job:
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the IT manager jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for IT manager jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
IT Manager Job Titles
When you search for IT manager jobs online, be aware that the jobs might be advertised using a different job title. Popular job titles for IT manager jobs include;
- Network manager
- Network manager
- IT Support Manager
- Head of IT
What does an IT Manager do?
The job of an IT Manager varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of IT Manager job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of an IT Manager include;
- Assess a client’s computing requirements
- Design and test network plans to meet your client’s needs
- Put in place network security measures
- Plan backup and recovery systems
- Organise preventative maintenance schedules
- Troubleshoot and repair network hardware and software
- Supervise technical staff
- Manage network growth and development
- Monitor and report on network performance and usage