The role of IT Manager

The IT Manager in all types of corporations carries a great deal of responsibility, centred mainly on organising, implementing, and maintaining the computer systems, networks and applications that help to run the company’s operations. The focus will differ slightly from one business to another, but in most cases, it will also include managing a team of IT professionals as well.

Duties and responsibilities - What does an IT Manager do?

There are many duties that fall to the IT Manager, including:

• Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of relevant hardware and software applications 
• Checking security of the system on a regular basis 
• Implementing training schedules for all members of the team and on occasion for other employees 
• Arranging for regular audits of the system, often in collaboration with an IT Auditor 
• Managing annual budgets for the department and reporting such information to senior management 
• Instigating and managing major IT projects in accordance according to business needs and budget restrictions, including system updates and migrations 
• Assessing opportunities for improvement via inspirational leadership and innovations in IT products and processes

Qualities needed for a successful IT Manager

The most successful IT Managers possess a varied range of personal qualities, including the ability to manage and motivate people in a positive and rewarding way. IT departments tend to feature an often-disparate group of talented individuals, and it is important for the Manager to bring them together in a cohesive manner for the team to obtain the desired goals.

Time management will also be a requisite quality, especially when installing new systems and end users are getting used to the way they work. There will be times when IT Managers must explain new technologies to others, including senior management, so effective skills in communications will be of particular importance.

This is also a role in which a firm grasp of IT infrastructures and how they affect the business is a must. Sound knowledge of existing applications is a requirement, of course, but there is also a need to keep a close eye on new innovations in information technology as and when they come along. This is a challenging role, and it calls for someone with a multitude of talents.

Qualifications and technical skills - How to become an IT Manager?

While much of an IT Manager’s role may be centred on managing members of the team and business processes, there are several technical abilities that the individual should be able to call upon. Knowledge of issues such as programming languages, operating systems, legal compliance, cybersecurity, data analysis and project management may all be sought out by potential employers.

Required qualifications can differ from role to role, but in general a realistic candidate will need previous experience of working in IT operations as well as a university degree. This needs to be in a relevant subject such as computer science, information technology, information systems, business management or digital media. Experience in leading project teams in a similar discipline can also be advantageous.

Career development - What is the next step after IT Manager?

Those who go on to become IT Managers often do so via working as a Software Engineer, Program Manager, Full Stack Developer or Project Manager. Then further along the career path come opportunities to work in roles such as Senior IT Manager, IT Director, Director of IT Services and Chief Information Officer. 

Salary and remuneration - How much does an IT Manager make?

IT Managers have a highly important role to play in the modern business world, and their salaries and benefits packages reflect that importance.