IT Manager Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an IT manager. Feel free to use our IT manager job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an IT manager.
Who is an IT Manager?
An IT manager (Information Technology Manager) is in charge of a company’s electronic networks’ overall performance as well as managing the IT department in meeting the organization’s information system needs. Focusing on a company’s internal computer networks could entail choosing network hardware and software, updating internal servers, or investigating alternative electronic support systems that can boost productivity.
IT managers are capable of performing any IT duty, including analyzing new gear, supporting and educating employees, and even running cables to create new work locations.
A network administrator, computer programmer, or database administrator is generally recruited and trained by an IT manager. An IT manager can assess the organization’s IT needs by talking with higher management and then leading their team through a specific and strategic project. The budget and timetable for these initiatives are usually set.
The precise breadth of an IT manager’s responsibilities varies depending on the situation. In some businesses, the emphasis is solely on computer networks. At other companies, the emphasis may be on the development or update of telephone systems and other electronic support systems related to business operations.
An IT manager would monitor the system’s routine maintenance as well as assist to develop the general structure of the firm network. This would necessitate regular testing to ensure that all components are operating at peak performance.
IT Manager Job Description
Below are the IT manager job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an IT 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 IT manager include the following:
- Recruiting and training employees, explaining job requirements, and tracking performance are all part of managing IT personnel.
- Supervising and ensuring the annual IT budget is cost-effective.
- Monitoring on a daily basis server hardware, software, and operating systems.
- Installing, updating and maintenance of technology are all coordinated.
- Selecting and acquiring new or replacement hardware or software when it is required.
- Troubleshooting, testing, and modifying Information systems to make sure that they work efficiently.
- Producing operating-system performance reports.
- Assuring that all IT activities adhere to applicable laws, norms, and regulations.
- Developing a network disaster recovery plan and backup methods by evaluating technology threats.
- Keeping up with technological advancements and best practices in the sector.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Information technology, software engineering, computer science, or a similar profession.
- Proven experience with IT infrastructure and services management.
- An experience in computer networking, network management, and network installation.
- Skillful and knowledgeable in wireless technology applications and interfaces,
- Computer hardware, IT security and
- Cabling installation and support.
- Microsoft Windows software, such as server, office, and exchange, is a strong suit.
- Ability to manage and lead.
- Skill to multitask, prioritize tasks and manage time.
- Organization and attention to the smallest details.
- Outstanding problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Comfortable with flexible Working hours.
Essential Skills
- Research
To maintain their position and keep current on technological advancements in their sector, IT managers require great research abilities. These experts also use their research talents to find the finest answers for the problems that their department deals with. Researching skills also assist IT Managers in recommending system updates for their organization and locating appropriate technology items to meet their needs.
Ability to manage projects
Strong project management abilities are required of IT executives. When working with numerous groups of people both inside and outside of a business, they must understand how to manage budgets and timetables. An IT manager, for example, might be in charge of arranging software or hardware upgrades, negotiating with vendors, or supervising the installation of a new computer system. IT managers who are successful are able to complete projects on schedule and without faults.
- Management of funds
IT managers are frequently required to have good financial management abilities because they lead their company’s IT department. Financial management skills aid IT Managers in making smart spending decisions because many of them are in charge of their department’s budget. This could involve things like planning ahead of time for department purchases or deciding how to spend the portion of their budget that they have discretion over. Instead of throwing a holiday work party, an IT manager can elect to spend a portion of the department’s budget on individual bonuses for IT staff.
- Strategic thinking
IT managers often have several years of expertise in both technology and business. They think strategically seeing the importance of technology in assisting an organization in achieving its overall business objectives. They play an important part in an organization’s strategic planning, assisting in the identification and anticipation of future technology demands as well as the improvement of present systems’ efficiencies.
- Time management skill
Professionals with good time management abilities may stick to deadlines, keep a steady schedule, and boost their output. IT managers manage responsibilities linked to both IT and manager activities since they have experience in both technological systems and managerial methods. IT managers learn time management skills in order to manage all of their everyday responsibilities. This allows them to become more efficient, and it pushes their team members to work harder.
- Technical Proficiency
Your first assignment as an IT manager will be to do a full inventory of your company’s IT assets, which you can easily accomplish with the help of good IT management software. All of the company’s computer hardware systems and components, network systems and configurations, and software installations and configurations should be included in your inventory. When the time comes to negotiate with the product providers, it’s also a good idea to make a list of all of them.
Needless to say, all of these responsibilities necessitate a strong foundation in computer hardware, software, and networking.
- Negotiation
IT managers discuss technical improvements, company policies, and project requirements with their colleagues and other business professionals. Having good negotiation skills prepares IT managers to work cooperatively with other experts in order to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Despite the fact that there are recommendations and guidelines for improving negotiation abilities, IT managers frequently learn this ability through experience.
- Attention to details.
An organization’s IT blunders can be costly, especially if private or sensitive data is compromised as a result. Attention to detail can help reduce the risk of error, but it also allows IT administrators to identify and address potential issues before they arise.
- Ability to work under duress
IT managers are in charge of making sure that an organization’s systems are secure and working effectively, from website problems to privacy breaches. They must remain calm and act promptly to solve problems when they emerge. You might succeed as an IT manager if you’re a logical thinker who enjoys fixing problems.
- Presentation
IT managers frequently give presentations on their company’s recommendations and their team’s development. Because they frequently present to other corporate leaders who may not be familiar with IT jargon, IT managers’ presenting abilities generally include thinking about the most efficient method to deliver their information. IT managers may also communicate ideas to their team, allowing them to take a different approach than in traditional presentations.
- Group supervision
To lead their departments effectively, IT managers must be able to manage their teams efficiently. Motivating and aiding others in the achievement of corporate goals is part of team management. Effective team managers also ensure that each team member gets the help they need and that any problems that develop in their area are resolved.
- Communication skills
Your interpersonal skills must be as well developed as your technical skills in order to become a successful IT manager. IT managers must be able to create relationships with other company executives in order to launch new initiatives and educate employees and stakeholders as new technologies and systems are adopted, in addition to inspiring their staff.
- Good Decision-making skill
IT managers who are good at making decisions use their decision-making abilities to recommend system improvements, assign work to professionals, and keep track of the department’s objectives. Decision-making abilities include the capacity to analyze the ramifications of your professional decisions when making a decision on a certain topic. IT managers with good decision-making skills are often self-assured in their decisions and open to professional guidance.
- Conflict management skills
IT managers are in charge of resolving any issues that develop within their team because they are department leaders. When dealing with conflicts, IT managers listen to each professional engaged to have a better picture of the situation. Then they come up with a solution that is appropriate for the problem. IT administrators sometimes deal with conflicts involving IT systems rather than other professions. IT managers demand advanced conflict management abilities because these concerns necessitate a distinct approach to dispute resolution.
How to Become an IT Manager
- Get high school certification
Completing high school is the first step toward a job as an IT manager. Take computer science and coding classes if they are available to assist you to advance in the field. To help you get into a good college program, do well in math and science classes.
- A bachelor’s degree is a great way to start your career.
Get a bachelor’s degree by going to college or university. Computer science and information technology are the most prevalent IT manager majors, but allied degrees like management information systems are frequently just as helpful and practical.
- Look for part-time work.
Look for an entry-level IT support expert or another IT-related job. Almost every IT manager starts their career as an IT support technician before transitioning into a management position. Spend time honing and improving your computer and IT skills.
- Develop your leadership abilities.
Look for and ask for opportunities to build your leadership skills in your entry-level position. Find strategies to improve your talents and demonstrate that you can lead a team and manage others.
- Think about pursuing a master’s degree.
Many businesses prefer IT executives to have higher degrees. Consider pursuing a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management or a comparable discipline to enhance the specific skills and training required to accomplish the job responsibilities.
- Obtain credentials
Consider obtaining IT management certifications to expand your skillset and establish your suitability for the position to prospective employers. IT managers have a wide range of certification options to choose from.
- Make a promotion application
Apply for IT manager positions within your organization or explore for chances outside your firm once you have the necessary education, experience, training, and certifications.
Where to Work
Healthcare institutions
To handle health-related information, healthcare information technology managers employ cutting-edge technological systems and methods. Patients, healthcare professionals, and insurance companies all need access to accurate healthcare information. Traditionally, medical practice information and data were kept on paper records, but technological integration became necessary to keep up with the pace and streamline healthcare services as time went on.
Military
The military relies on computers for practically every element of its operations, including payroll processing and personnel operations, directing the targeting and firing of weapons systems, acquiring and interpreting intelligence data, and facilitating global communications.
Military IT managers are in charge of planning, implementing, and maintaining both short- and long-term IT goals. They develop and implement IT policies and procedures, as well as ensure that the military has the software, hardware, and applications they need to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively.
Business organizations
Business IT managers assist and discover how they can assist your organization in becoming more productive, increasing performance, saving money, improving customer experience, streamlining communications, and improving management decision-making. They assist businesses in spreading abroad and providing employees with access to company information wherever and whenever they need it. Communication made easy through platforms such as emails, conference software, company intranets, video chat, and the internet, in general, is a major application of technology in business. Businesses can easily and effectively arrange virtual meetings with employees and clients all over the world without having to spend time and money on travel thanks to technology.
IT Industries
IT managers’ responsibilities in IT industries include database and cloud storage system maintenance, system and network security, and technical support for other staff. They may also be in charge of protecting consumer information and ensuring that the company’s IT policies comply with local and national legislation.
IT Manager Salary Scale
In Nigeria, an Information Technology Manager can expect to make roughly 558,000 NGN each month. Salaries range from 301,000 NGN to 842,000 NGN (lowest to highest) (highest).
This is the monthly average paid, covering the manager’s housing, transportation, and other benefits. Salary for Information Technology Managers varies greatly depending on some factors such as experience, abilities, gender, and region.
As of January 27, 2022, the average income for an Information Technology Manager in the United States is $128,400, with a range of $114,953 to $141,393. Salary ranges are influenced by various factors which include schooling, certifications, supplementary talents, and the number of years you’ve worked in your field.