Application Manager Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an application manager. Feel free to use our application manager job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an application manager.
Who is an Application Manager?
Application Management is the entire lifecycle of software applications. It covers how an application works, its maintenance, version control, and upgrades. Application management services provide governance to the enterprise to ensure that applications perform at their best and run as efficiently as possible. They can be integrated with back-office functions like ERP, database, and SaaS cloud functions like CRM.
Application management is a service operation function that supports and manages applications. It also provides technical expertise and operational proficiency to key stakeholders throughout the lifecycle.
An application manager is responsible for managing one or more computer programs within an organization. These programs could include software such as online stores, customer relationship management systems, and payroll systems. Application managers are responsible for overseeing staff, budgets, and service levels. They also manage vendor relations.
The application manager is responsible for directing the work of the developers. The typical responsibilities of the application manager include hiring, firing, and conducting employee reviews. This position is also responsible for developing training plans for staff members. Managers should ensure that staff follows any policies or procedures related to their work.
The applications manager might also need to manage staff and budget for maintaining or upgrading applications. The manager might meet with users to discuss their application needs, examine industry trends and make recommendations for upgrades or replacements. This position will typically provide technical support to install, test, and implement the upgrades.
Many times, these duties involve working with application users to identify their support needs and to create service-level agreements. Managers must ensure that their department has the resources and staff necessary to fulfill these agreements. In some cases, the application manager is required to support the application 24 hours a day.
This staff member will also be responsible for determining the required levels of security and backup for specific applications. Many organizations are concerned about disaster recovery, particularly for mission-critical applications. In developing disaster recovery plans or conducting disaster recovery exercises, the applications manager might be involved.
Applications management requires a high level of technical knowledge. An organization may require that applicants for this type of managerial role have at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology-oriented fields and have worked in technical roles. This role requires the applications manager to be able to communicate effectively with people at different levels within the organization.
A software manager is used to monitor the performance of a software program and notify administrators when there are problems. Application managers for an IT enterprise can also offer context-aware network access management. If a device does not comply with the security policies of the app manager, it is denied access to the applications.
They are usually not involved in the development of applications, instead, they identify the specific applications that are required to improve business operations and supervise the installation, maintenance, and upgrading of software applications. They interact with employees at all levels and work in an IT team.
Every type of business requires IT software. Some of the software is developed internally, while others are purchased from third-party vendors. The Application manager is responsible for determining the best software to meet a company’s specific requirements. He then purchases the software, prepares servers, installs it, configures it, loads data in it, tunes it, and upgrades it when necessary. Sometimes they also help to train and communicate the use of the software throughout the company. The role of this professional will grow in importance as more companies use third-party software. There will likely be more job openings.
Application managers have many stakeholders. They should all work together to make critical decisions, such as whether to build or buy, replace or modernize an application and where it should be hosted.
These are some of the key stakeholders for Application Management:
- Application Manager/Application analyst
Manages the application lifecycle and oversees the application management process. One application analyst, or a group of application analysts, would typically be responsible for each major application. They are also responsible for performing skills gap analysis and recruiting the skills or staff needed.
- Business Unit Owners
These are business-level employees who see applications and application management as a field having a positive impact on the bottom line, improving productivity, generating revenue, and improving competitiveness.
- Developers/DevOps/DevSecOps
This group of IT professionals is charged with the design, development, deployment, integration, security, and maintenance of applications.
- App users
The users provide feedback about productivity and performance. Users’ top concerns include privacy and security.
Application management’s ultimate goal is to implement reliable, efficient, and cost-effective codes that enable an enterprise to achieve its business goals. This includes ensuring that both the management and technical capabilities are in place and that technical issues can be quickly diagnosed and addressed.
Application Manager Job Description
Below are the application manager job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an application manager job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an application manager include the following:
- Analyzing the business’s operations and computer systems to determine which software applications can improve efficiency.
- Providing recommendations on upgrading existing systems or installing new ones.
- Assisting in the development and maintenance of network hardware and software.
- Monitoring the rollout of new software applications to make sure there are no issues
- Troubleshooting and solving any issues with business software.
- Creating and supervising protocols and procedures to allow the use of new software applications.
- Training employees on how to use any new software applications.
- Engaging in local area network management, including installing and maintaining routers, creating email addresses, and creating passwords.
- Creating, executing, and maintaining company databases.
- Keeping abreast of all the latest software developments.
- Finding software applications that will help the company succeed by researching and purchasing them
- Using software applications in a way that is consistent with established protocols and can be easily used by others.
- Assisting with upgrades of servers, hardware, or software
- Reporting to stakeholders, senior management, and end-users on the progress of operational problems
- Managing financial budgets for specific projects as well as the day-to-day operations of certain departments
- Overseeing the employees as well as the business end for application development.
- Obtaining patents on applications developed for commercial purposes.
- Organizing meetings with clients to discuss the financial aspects of their applications.
- Ensuring that work is done to high standards and according to the client’s requirements.
- Maintaining good relationships with clients and monitoring the progress of each application.
- Taking care of employees working under them and ensuring that the work environment is positive and conducive.
- Keeping an eye on the market to monitor all new applications being developed.
- Incorporating new programs and technology into their company
- Creating policies for the company and making sure they are strictly followed
The following are other important tasks:
- Evaluating the business process requirements
The applications manager analyses the organization and flow of business work to find possible solutions. They must be up-to-date on the latest software developments to identify ways software can be used to improve the business’ efficiency and success.
- Responsible for system hardware, application software installation, and upgrades
Applications managers lead a team that includes IT specialists who are responsible for upgrading and implementing system hardware. They make sure that servers are ready for use before installing new systems. They also monitor the roll-out to identify any problems.
- Troubleshooting problems with the software
Application managers offer technical support and solve problems for business software systems. The Application Manager, or one of their teams, will examine the problem and provide a solution.
- Software creations and software protocols
The application manager oversees the creation, development, and oversight of protocols and procedures that will be used for any new software being introduced to an organization. These standards may require training for users to be developed.
Qualifications
While a bachelor’s degree is required, employers often prefer a master’s or doctoral degree in business information systems. To work, you don’t need to be certified.
Successful application managers will typically have strong academic backgrounds in information technology, computer science, or web design. Candidates with experience in positions such as UX Designer, UI Designer, and Systems Developer are always preferred. Relevant experience includes knowledge and experience in system design, database management, and project management.
You will need to have some experience, both professionally or generally, in the IT industry, and must know about databases like MS SQL, Oracle, and My SQL. Having a good experience in Apache Tomcat and Apache HTTPD is a plus. IT knowledge in ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Planning), is another requirement for application management. This knowledge will allow you to manage resources and develop them as needed.
Although the application manager role will vary from one company to another, many skills can be combined. It is easy to transfer experience and knowledge from one industry sector to the next. However, regardless of which sector, a thorough understanding of database management software is required.
Essential Skills
Application managers need to be able to think critically and solve problems. Sometimes the solutions they create will require creativity and detailed analysis. To be able to share their ideas and findings with the senior leadership, they must also be strong communicators. App Managers need to be able to lead a team of software developers. They will also benefit from customer service skills and patience when explaining new tools to users. These are just a few of the traits and skills that Application Managers are seeking.
Core Skills
Examples of core skills application managers must have include:
- Expertise in system design, development, implementation, and user support principles.
- Database management experience.
- Familiarity and understanding of project management principles.
- Experience with information system troubleshooting.
- Demonstrates proficiency in the development of automated business systems.
- Communication of technical information to non-technical audiences
Advanced skills
Although the skills stated in this list are not required by employers, they are often listed as preferred qualifications on job postings. These skills will help you expand your options for a career as an Application manager.
- Advanced systems analysis techniques, practices, and principles.
- Understanding the principles of cost modeling.
- Experience in preparing workflow analyses.
- Experience in leading and facilitating training.
How to Become an Application Manager
- Earn a degree
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or another related field is required to start your career as an Applications Manager. This will ensure that you remain competitive for employers. To be able to apply for entry-level jobs and enter the workforce, you should focus on your industry-specific skills. You may need to complete an internship as an Applications Manager to get your Bachelor’s degree and learn the necessary skills on-the-job before you can enter the workforce.
- Select a specialty
You may need to select a specialty when applying for a job as an applications manager. You can choose which area of the Applications Manager field is your strongest and then continue to take active steps towards your chosen specialty.
- Start at an entry-level position
After completing a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, or another related field, you can start your career as an Entry-Level Applications Manager. Depending on the type of Applications Manager role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore different certifications.
- Career advancement
There are many career paths for Applications Managers after you have reached the entry-level. Moving up to the next level of seniority can take approximately 2 years. To advance in your career as an Applications Manager, you will need to have at least 5 years of experience at each level. You may need to obtain additional education, a master’s degree in a related field, or special certifications to further your career as an Applications Manager.
- Consider opportunities for continued education
Not all companies and industries require continuous education, but getting an additional degree can help you move up to higher-paying jobs more quickly. A graduate degree in computer science can take up to 4 years. A graduate degree holder typically earns a higher salary compared to someone who does not have a degree.
Where to Work
Applications managers are employed in IT departments to manage software applications
Application Manager Salary Scale
Several factors affect the salary of an application manager, including the degree and professional experience of the manager, as well as the location and size of the company where the manager works.
An application manager’s starting salary is approximately $48,500 to $54,500 annually. This is in line with the average salary for other employees. There is an upward trend. The principle is that the larger the company, both in terms of earnings and location, the better the salary. You can also benefit from regular training courses to improve your application management skills, which will increase your chances of increasing your salary.
