Data Manager Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a data manager. Feel free to use our data manager job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a data manager.
Who is a Data Manager?
A Data manager is also called a Data Specialist. He or she is responsible for overseeing the company’s various data systems and networks. The duties of a data manager are: analyzing the company’s data, storing data effectively, and also safeguarding the company’s security and confidentiality standards.
The data manager analyzes and utilizes the information to aid an organization carry out its laid-out business plans. The manager also ensures that the organization knows and understands to a reasonable extent how to utilize the data that has been collated. The data manager needs to also interpret the information gotten from compiled data and report back his research to the relevant authority. The data manager can also recommend alternative solutions to an organization that is the findings he got after conducting research.
In a scenario whereby the data manager is not the one gathering the information; he or she will have to train those that will collate the information to give them an orientation on what they need to do and to ensure that they collate data based on the needs of the organization. The manager prepares reports and regular analyses which are distributed to various departments of the organization. The data manager’s responsibility also entails holding meetings or conferences where he breaks down the information gathered to enable every employee to understand what is at stake and also what is ongoing within the organization.
There are cases where if an organization is very large, the data manager will hold periodic meetings across branches with different regional managers to discuss findings, seek solutions to problems, and also discuss the future of the company. This kind helps in streamlining activities throughout the entire organization. The manager must at all times update the strategies or methods of data analysis and management. To be efficient on the job, he or she must ensure the use of software and the Internet to deal with issues regarding maintenance and performance. Data managers also assist with the training of other employees to perform their responsibility as expected. Data managers can work full-time or part-time. They can work independently or as part of a team. There are different types of data managers and they are; Clinical Data managers, District Data managers, and School Data managers.
Data Manager Job Description
Below are the data manager job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a data 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 a data manager are:
- Construct, develop, and modify data management infrastructure to accelerate data analysis and reporting
- Execute policies and guidelines for data management
- Develop standard operating procedures for data handling and archiving
- Mentor in identifying and defining data requirements
- Examination presentations, manuscripts, tables, and graphs for accuracy and quality
- Maintain data management plans ad operating instructions for complex business systems and architectures
- Maintain internal data assets library
- Train junior data managers when necessary
- Deliver technical oversight for incorporating new technology or new initiatives into data standards and structures
- Design and develop databases that comply with company needs
- Evaluate the design selection, implementation, and support of database changes using associated business requirements and design documents
- Guarantee the quality, confidentiality, and security of all datasets
- Secure proper functioning of all data collection software and internet applications at all times
- Interpret and explains complex data to employees to carry everyone along
- Formulate/develop special reports upon request
- Confirm data and information security by merging and upholding digital security systems.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Management analysis, Mathematics, Statistics,or a related field
- A master’s degree in Computer science or any related field will be an added advantage
- A minimum of three years of proven experience in data management or data analysis
- Ability to interpret and organize a large amount of data
- A logical mindset with extraordinary communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to translate complex problems clearly and in non-technical terms
- Must have good IT skills ( including data evaluation or analysis using relevant computer applications)
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Must be self–motivated, goal-oriented, and able to display excellent customer service skills
- Display of good research and organizational abilities
- Good management and leadership skills at all times
- Must have knowledge of business standards and relevant to the industry in which the organization operates
Essential Skills
- Computer Skills: data managers must have the requisite computer skills for the job; they must be familiar with applications and spreadsheets. They must know how to also use other computer tools to carry out their responsibility. A data manager’s responsibility involves gathering and storing data; he or she should be familiar with applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel to carry out this responsibility effectively.
- Communication Skills: data managers are responsible for interpreting data and also complex terms for other employees; they must know how to communicate clearly to pass across the message. This communication is in two formats; verbal and non-verbal communication, data managers need to master all the two aspects of communication. Data managers are responsible for conducting research and they must document these findings and report them to the relevant authorities.
- Leadership: this is a core skill data managers must possess; they are responsible for collating data but in a large organization; this responsibility can be saddled on other employees. It is the responsibility of data managers to guide or direct those employees on how they can gather the data the organization will need. These employees are also trained by the data manager and the data manager is responsible for assigning responsibilities to them.
- Problem-solving Skills: In the course gathering, storing, and analyzing data; challenges can spring up. It is the responsibility of data managers to look out for solutions to challenges. Data managers need to possess an analytical mind to brainstorm the solution to the Data managers research challenges and after their findings, they recommend solutions to the organization. It is no exaggeration to say that the success of an organization largely depends on data management administration.
- Organizational Skills: Data managers need to be highly organized because they are responsible for cataloging files and also inputting databases on the computer. Data managers must ensure they store the information of the organization appropriately for it not to disappear. They can store this information both in an internal and external drive; this will ensure that all the company’s data are kept safe.
- Time-management: this is skill is very essential because data managers may be given a stipulated time to finish up a task. It is therefore highly essential that they make good use of their They should be able to deliver a database analysis at the expected time. They should also be able to motivate a group of employees to achieve a task at the appropriate time.
- Multi-tasking: Data managers should be able to multi-task when performing their responsibility. Mufti-tasking is very important because they may be asked to manage different tasks. They should be able to carry out any task that relates to IT.
In addition, they should be able to keep safe confidential, and sensitive information.
How to Become a Data Manager
An individual considering becoming a data manager must do the following:
- Enroll for a Bachelor’s Degree
For one to become a data manager; he or she must enroll for a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, statistics, and any related field. Studying one of these courses is your first step to becoming a data manager. The course usually takes four years to complete. The course will expose you to the most important aspect of data and how to store data. For instance, a degree in computer science will help you to master how to use computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. As a data manager, you need to have excellent typing skills and with the knowledge of this degree, you will have excellent typing skills.
- Enroll for a Master’s Degree
A database manager is a top-notch position and some employers will only consider someone that has a master’s degree. A master’s degree takes less than two years to complete and during the degree; you will harness skills like mathematics and analytical skills which are skills data managers need in the field. A master’s degree will also help you to be more qualified for the managerial role than candidates who just have a bachelor’s degree. Someone that does not have a background in computer science but wants to be a data manager can also enroll in a post-graduate degree to qualify. If you also want to have steady career growth; you can also proceed with your doctoral program after your master’s degree.
- Get Relevant Experience
Data managers don’t start their careers as data managers; they are usually employed as junior data managers or analysts in an organization. To become a data manager. You will be required to work for at least three years in data analysis, data management, or data administration and your responsibility is to collect and distribute data. Data managers must have experience deciphering large amounts of data and also storing data. Job recruiters usually prefer candidates who have additional working experience working in modern databases and IT technologies. They may also prefer those who have the requisite experience dealing with confidential and sensitive information although this solely depends on the organizational policy. Data managers must also master the art of utilizing modern technology for them to perform their responsibilities effectively. Choose the data management specification you want to practice.
- Acquire Relevant Certification
As a data manager, certification is very important to prove to potential employers that you are an expert in the field. Certification may not be mandatory but it can distinguish you from other job candidates. You can acquire certification in Linux configuration, SQL database, Python, Perl, and other specified data management applications. You can acquire certification as certified Data management Professional (CDMP)
- Draft Your Resume
A data manager’s resume must be very marketable to attract potential employers; the resume should highlight the contact details, qualifications, skills, and expertise of the data manager. Employers prefer candidates with advanced knowledge of the latest technological tools; it is highly paramount for you to highlight the computer tools you are proficient in. the enumeration of these key tools in your resume will help you analyze the market and trending products.
- Apply for Open Positions
The job position of a data manager is very lucrative because most companies want to manage their data effectively. A data manager that has all the necessary qualifications should seek out open positions available in his or her locality. A database manager can seek out open positions in schools, banks, companies, firms, businesses, and government establishments. A data manager can also use social media to get a job placement. Many sites post data manager job vacancies; a data manager should take advantage of that.
Where Can a Data Manager Work?
- Companies: a data manager can work in a company and help the company store its data, interpret it and also analyze it. A data manager can also keep a record of the company’s essential information.
- School or Academic Institutions: Data managers can work in the educational sector such as schools and their responsibility can be to store students’ information in a database. They can use the data they store to improve communication between the students and the school management.
- Banks: Data managers can work in the financial sector and keep a record of bank customers and also their staff. They can also help the bank carry out data analysis to bring about tremendous growth in the organization.
- Remote Setting: Data managers can work remotely; this is highly possible in this digital dispensation. They can have meetings with other employees via the zoom app or Skype, although once in a while they may have to report to the physical work environment.
- Hospitals
- Government Organizations
- Firms
- Businesses
Data Manager Salary
- In the United States, an individual working as a data manager earns $166,896 per year and $59.95 per hour. An entry-level data manager earns $79,950 per year. The salary may vary based on the location of the data manager.
- In Nigeria, a Data manager earns 195,000NGN per month. The salary includes housing, transport, and other benefits.
