Information Technology Manager Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an information technology manager. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an information technology manager.
Who is an Information Technology Manager?
An Information Technology (IT) manager must guide the IT department in meeting the organization’s information systems needs and ensure a company’s electronic networks functions effectively overall.
The maintenance of the internal network is one of the crucial duties of an Information Technology Manager. This frequently indicates that the management is involved in the decision-making process for the network’s hardware and software. For instance, any conversations regarding modernizing the internal servers and computer workstations would probably involve an Information Technology Manager. The likelihood is high that the manager would collaborate with other staff members in choosing software, such as accounting applications or a sales and customer database.
Any technology-related duty, including reviewing new hardware, aiding and educating staff employees, and even running cables to create new work areas, can be handled by Information Technology Managers.
Network administrators, computer programmers, and database administrators frequently with and under Information Technology Managers. They can ascertain the organization’s IT requirements by speaking with higher management, after which they can direct their personnel to a targeted project. These initiatives usually follow a set budget and schedule.
The precise range of an Information Technology Manager’s duties varies depending on the environment. In some businesses, computer networks are the only thing that matter. With others, the emphasis can be on phone systems development or modernization and other electronic support systems related to business operations.
An Information Technology Manager would oversee the system upkeep in addition to assisting in creating the firm network’s general structure. This would entail routine testing to ensure every technical in the organization operates as effectively as possible.
The Information Technology Manager may function as a complete information technology department in small businesses. When this is the case, there is a significant probability they may handle many of the tasks that are distributed among an IT team at larger organizations individually. Nevertheless, most ITA managers are well qualified and equipped to handle any IT duty, from assessing new gear to helping to lay cables for the establishment of new work areas.
Information Technology Manager Job Description
Below are the information technology manager job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a 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 the Information Technology Manager include the following:
- Control the computer and IT systems.
- Ensure the systems’ maintenance is carried out.
- Check, organize, and manage IT and electronic data operations regularly.
- Manage the employees by hiring, training, outlining the standards, and evaluating their output.
- Design, create, and coordinate the department’s systems, policies, and procedures.
- Ensure that all the organization’s systems, network access, and data are safe and secure.
- Work to meet the user’s demands by identifying issue areas and putting immediate fixes.
- Audit systems regularly and analyze the results.
- Maintain cost efficiency and adhere to the budget.
- Submit reports on the department’s and systems’ performance regularly.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in computer science, information technology, or a relevant field
- Professional Certification (preferable by some firms)
- Years of IT working experience
- Thorough familiarity with programming languages, operating systems (such as Microsoft Exchange and Active Directory), modern hardware and technology, business backup and recovery methods, and system performance monitoring
Essential Skills
Here are the skills you require to excel in your career as an Information Technology Manager include the following:
- Decision-making
- Communication
- Delegation
- Negotiation
- Research
- Financial Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Listening
- Planning
- Self-development
- Strategic
- Organizing
- Time Management
- Technical
- Team Management
Decision-making
Information Technology Managers must possess strong decision-making skills to evaluate new technologies and assets and determine which ones the company should invest in. Before making a decision, they may consult with several vendors who offer various services, conditions, and levels of support. They will need to evaluate and compare these options. Before making a choice, people frequently need to examine a particular circumstance and weigh the present dangers and potential future consequences. This is especially important in crucial change control or break/fix scenarios and when making decisions that could have an organization-wide or financial impact.
Information Technology Managers must also decide on recruiting, promotions, ejections, and other personnel issues that affect the team.
Communication
Information Technology Managers must be proficient communicators both orally and in writing to communicate ideas and directives to their staff. For most, communication skills are crucial, especially in leadership roles since they foster a positive workplace culture and increase output. Information Technology Managers apply communication skills when advising their staff and conversing with other experts about technology solutions.
Delegation
Information Technology Managers utilize delegation techniques to appoint the most qualified workers to the project’s duties while designing projects. These experts can create efficient teams and control their workload because of their delegation abilities. To maintain high levels of productivity and provide workers the freedom to focus on activities that best fit them, Information Technology Managers frequently note the unique skills of their team members when allocating duties.
Negotiation
Information Technology Managers haggle about project requirements, corporate regulations, and technology improvements with their coworkers and other business experts. Strong negotiating abilities teach Information Technology Managers to be able to make concessions to other experts to get to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Information Technology Managers frequently acquire this ability via experience, even though there are strategies and recommendations for improving negotiating skills for professionals.
Research
Information Technology Managers require excellent research abilities to further their education and keep current with technical breakthroughs. These experts use their research abilities to identify the most effective answers for their division handles problems. Researching skills also enable Information Technology Managers to suggest system changes for their business and identify the best technology solutions for those demands.
Financial Management
Information Technology Managers frequently need to have good financial management abilities since they oversee the IT department at their organization. Financial management skills aid these professionals in making smart spending decisions because many Information Technology Managers are in charge of their department’s budget. This can entail making detailed plans for departmental purchases or selecting how to allocate the portion of their budget that is up to discretion.
An Information Technology Manager may opt to use a portion of the department money for individual incentives for IT staff rather than throwing a Christmas office party.
Conflict Resolution
Managers of the IT department are in charge of resolving any disputes that may develop within their team. Information Technology Managers seek to grasp the problem while resolving disagreements by listening to each expert involved. They then identify a remedy that addresses the issue. Information Technology Managers need strong dispute resolution abilities since these problems require a different strategy.
Listening
Information Technology Managers need to have good listening skills because they need to be able to take feedback from their team and be informed of any scenarios where team members could require assistance. For instance, if a worker confides in their Information Technology Manager that they are having trouble with a certain assignment, the management will utilize their listening skills to notice the worker’s difficulty and comprehend the entire extent of the issue.
Planning
Projects, budgets, and presentations may all be organized by an Information Technology Manager due to their planning abilities. Strong planning abilities are crucial for individuals in leadership roles because they enable them to think about the future of their team and business and devise strategies for achieving their objectives. Project maps and software created expressly for the planning process are tools Information Technology Managers utilize to aid in their planning.
Self-development
Information Technology Managers must have a learning-oriented personal attitude in a dynamic sector where new trends and technologies are quickly emerging. They must keep up with the latest advancements and innovations in the industry while ensuring their skill sets are current. To lead efforts to safeguard the systems and data of their firm, they need also be aware of fresh and developing cybersecurity problems.
Strategic
Professionals that use strategic thinking are better able to make educated choices that will benefit their job in the long run. Information Technology Managers use this skill to allocate resources, plan initiatives, and create budgets. As a result, they can make wise judgments about how the projects in their division run, which promotes excellence in work and productivity.
Information Technology Managers should make the necessary investments in professional development courses or certifications since they are a terrific method to pick up new skills and brush up on existing ones. Another effective strategy to engage in continuing education and to keep up with industry standards and best practices is to attend business conferences and meetings.
Organizing
Managers with good organizational abilities can keep track of their duties and those of their team members. Organizational skills help Information Technology Managers, who supervise several employees, keep an eye on worker performance, allocate tasks, and keep the workplace tidy and safe. IT management organizational skills can entail hiring extra personnel for managerial duties by elevating experts to the positions of team leads or trainers. Information Technology Managers may plan initiatives with the use of this talent.
Time Management
Professionals with good time management abilities can adhere to deadlines, keep a regular schedule, and produce more work. Information Technology Managers oversee responsibilities related to both manager and IT jobs since they are knowledgeable in technological systems and management procedures. Information Technology Managers learn time management skills to handle all of their everyday responsibilities. As a result, they are more effective and their team members are motivated to work more.
Technical
Although many of the abilities required of Information Technology Managers are related to their roles as leaders, they nevertheless need to be well-knowledgeable in technology systems. They can resolve problems and comprehend the business’s technical objectives thanks to this ability. To guarantee that their team members may turn to them for advice on technology-related issues, Information Technology Managers frequently possess a high degree of technical expertise.
Team Management
For Information Technology Managers to effectively run their departments, they must have the ability to manage teams. Team management involves motivating employees and assisting them in achieving organizational objectives. Effective team leaders also ensure that each team member gets the assistance they require and takes care of any problems that may arise in their area.
How to Become an Information Technology Manager
Below are the steps to take to become an Information Technology Manager:
Step One: Graduate from High School
A high school certificate is a prerequisite for working as an Information Technology Manager. If they are available, sign up for computer science and coding classes to expand your knowledge of the subject. To boost your chances of being admitted into a prominent college program, do well in your math and science classes.
Step Two: Obtain your Bachelor’s Degree
Attend a college or university to get a bachelor’s degree. The most common degrees for Information Technology Managers are computer science and information technology, although other related areas, such as management information systems, are usually just as beneficial and applicable.
Step Three: Find an Entry-level Job
Look for a position at the entry-level in an area linked to IT, such as an IT support specialist position. Nearly of Information Technology Managers begin their careers as IT support specialists before moving into management. Spend some time learning and refining your IT and computer abilities.
Step Four: Boost your Leadership Skills
At your entry-level job, look for and ask for opportunities to improve your leadership skills. Find ways to strengthen your skills to lead a team and manage people.
Step Five: Pursue a Master’s Degree
For Information Technology Managers, many firms prefer advanced degrees. If you want to further your education and prepare for the work, get a master’s degree in information technology management or a closely connected field.
Where to Work as an Information Technology Manager
IT management jobs come in various shapes and sizes and cover different industries. The duties could be the same regardless of the industry.
They can work in health, IT, telecommunication, media, the educational sector, etc. Regardless of the unique sector context, Information Technology Managers are often concerned with information hardware and streamlining operations.
Although some work remotely, most Information Technology Managers work on-site.
Even though most Information Technology Managers are competent in carrying out the numerous tasks performed by the employees they oversee, they are more likely to be found in conference rooms than in server rooms. In this industry, working overtime is frequent.
Information Technology Manager Salary Scale
In the USA, the average Information Technology Manager’s compensation is $54.07 per hour or $112,465 per year. Most experienced professionals earn up to $149,939 yearly, while entry-level occupations start at $90,000 annually.
In the United Kingdom, the average Information Technology Manager’s pay is £50,000 per year or £25.64 per hour. Most experienced professionals earn up to £67,500 yearly, while entry-level roles start at £40,000.
The average annual wage for an Information Technology Manager in Canada is CA$ 95,000, or CA$ 48.72 per hour. Most experienced professionals earn up to CA$121,577 yearly, while entry-level roles start at CA$80,000.
In Germany, a manager of Information Technology Manager makes roughly €6,340 per month. The salary is between €2,920 to €10,100.
Australia’s national average for Information Technology Managers is AU$ 135,000 per year or AU$ 69.23 per hour. Most experienced professionals earn up to AU$ 160,000 annually, while entry-level roles start at AU$ 113,410.
The average annual wage for an Information Technology Manager in Ireland is €72,500, or €37.18 per hour. Most experienced professionals may earn up to €87,563 per year, while entry-level roles start at €60,000.
In Nigeria, the average monthly salary for information technology (IT) managers is roughly ₦558,000. The salary falls between ₦301,000 to ₦842,000.
