What Does an IT Manager Do?

IT managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization’s information technology department. They commonly manage a team of IT professionals and may also be involved in developing long-term strategies for the department.

The role of an IT manager is diverse and can vary greatly depending on the needs of their organization. Some IT managers focus primarily on managing people, while others focus more on technical issues such as hardware or software procurement. Regardless of their specific responsibilities, they all have one thing in common: they must ensure that the IT systems within their organization are functioning properly at all times.

IT Manager Job Duties

An IT manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Managing the day-to-day operations of an IT department, including overseeing projects and providing technical support to staff
• Planning, coordinating, and implementing new IT projects or initiatives to meet departmental goals
• Training employees in new technologies as needed to ensure they are proficient in their job functions
• Coordinating with vendors to ensure that technology equipment meets company needs
• Managing the budget for the department or specific projects, including reviewing invoices for accuracy and approving payments
• Ensuring that all IT systems are secure by monitoring access privileges and updating software as necessary
• Creating and managing an inventory of all computers and other technology equipment within the company’s network
• Providing technical support to users who have questions about how to use computer software or hardware
• Analyzing data from surveys or research studies to identify trends that can be used to improve business processes

IT Manager Salary & Outlook

IT manager salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses or commissions.

• Median Annual Salary: $95,000 ($45.67/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $142,000 ($68.27/hour)

The employment of information systems managers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for information systems managers will increase as organizations seek to improve productivity and efficiency by updating their information technology (IT) infrastructure. In addition, demand for these managers will continue to come from outside the IT field as organizations seek to integrate IT solutions into other business processes, such as marketing and sales.

Related: 25 IT Manager Interview Questions and Answers

IT Manager Job Requirements

IT managers typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Employers typically require IT managers to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, computer engineering or a related field. Some employers may hire candidates who have a degree in a non-technical field if they have extensive experience in IT.

Training & Experience: IT managers typically receive on-the-job training in their first few months of employment. This training may include learning the company’s policies and procedures, as well as the software and hardware they use. IT managers who have previous experience in a similar role may transfer their knowledge to their new company.

Certifications & Licenses: Some employers require certification to show expertise in a particular area.

IT Manager Skills

IT managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Leadership: Leadership skills can help IT managers motivate their teams and encourage them to work together to achieve organizational goals. Effective leaders can also inspire their teams to develop their skills and take on new challenges. As a leader, you can also help your team members develop their leadership skills by providing them with resources and opportunities to do so.

Communication: As a IT manager, you communicate with a variety of people, including employees, clients, vendors and other managers. Effective communication is an essential skill for this role, as you may be required to explain technical concepts to non-technical employees, answer questions from clients and explain company policies to employees. You may also be responsible for communicating with other managers and executives, so it’s important to be able to convey information in a way that everyone can understand.

Problem-solving: As a IT manager, you may be responsible for resolving technical issues, addressing security concerns and troubleshooting software and hardware problems. Your ability to solve problems can help you to maintain the smooth operation of your company’s IT systems and keep your employees productive. You may also be responsible for identifying and implementing solutions to prevent future problems.

Project management: Project management is the ability to oversee and direct the completion of a project on time and on budget. As an IT manager, you may be responsible for overseeing the installation of new software, hardware or security systems. Effective project management can help you ensure that the project is completed successfully and that the company doesn’t spend more than it needs to.

Business acumen: Business acumen is the ability to understand the financial aspects of a business. IT managers need business acumen to understand the costs of various IT solutions and the potential return on investment of various projects. This can help them make informed decisions about the IT infrastructure of their company.

IT Manager Work Environment

IT managers typically work in an office environment during regular business hours, although they may be on call 24 hours a day to deal with system failures or other emergencies. They may also travel to meet with clients or vendors, or to attend conferences. Because they often work with sensitive information, they may be required to undergo background checks and to sign non-disclosure agreements. IT managers must be able to handle stress well, as they often have to deal with tight deadlines, angry customers, and frustrated employees. They must also be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure.

IT Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how IT managers work. IT managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Talent

As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for technical talent will continue to grow. This means that IT managers will need to be able to find and develop talented professionals in order to keep their companies running smoothly.

To meet this challenge, IT managers will need to be well-versed in the latest technologies and have a strong understanding of how they work. They will also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the business team in order to get the support they need.

The Emergence of Digital Transformation

The emergence of digital transformation is an emerging trend that is having a major impact on the way businesses operate. As technology advances, businesses are increasingly moving towards a digital model, which allows them to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.

IT managers can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in digital transformation. This includes developing skills in areas such as cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity. In addition, IT managers should be familiar with the latest trends in technology so that they can make informed decisions about where to invest company resources.

More Focus on Security

As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for security becomes increasingly important. This is because hackers are constantly looking for new ways to break into systems and steal valuable information.

As an IT manager, you can help protect your company from hackers by ensuring that all of its systems are properly secured. You can also educate employees on the dangers of phishing scams and other types of social engineering attacks.

How to Become an IT Manager

A career as a IT manager can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology, lead and mentor teams of talented professionals, and make a positive impact on your organization’s success.

To become an effective IT manager, you need to have a strong technical background and be able to understand how technology can solve business problems. You also need to be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical staff members, and have excellent organizational skills.

If you want to become an IT manager, start by gaining experience in different areas of IT. This could include working as a programmer, systems administrator, or network engineer. You could also volunteer to help out with projects at your company or organization.

Advancement Prospects

IT managers typically advance by taking on larger teams or projects, or by moving into more senior management roles. As they gain experience, they may also take on additional responsibilities such as budgeting, strategic planning, and vendor management. With enough experience, IT managers may eventually become Chief Information Officers (CIOs) or other executive-level positions.

IT managers with strong technical skills may also move into other technical roles such as systems administrator or software developer. Those with strong business skills may move into business roles such as project manager or business analyst.

IT Manager Job Description Example

The IT Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and maintenance of all computer hardware and software at [CompanyX]. They will also be responsible for managing the IT staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations. The IT Manager will work closely with other departments to ensure that their computer needs are being met and will also be responsible for developing and implementing IT policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, as well as 5 years of experience managing an IT department. They will have a strong understanding of computer hardware and software, as well as networking and security. They will also be able to effectively manage and motivate staff, as well as handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all IT-related issues and requests
• Oversee the work of the IT team, delegating tasks and projects as needed
• Ensure that all IT systems are running smoothly and efficiently
• Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in technology and make recommendations to upper management on how these new technologies can be integrated into the company’s existing infrastructure
• Manage the budget for the IT department and make recommendations on where money should be allocated
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to the use of all IT systems and equipment
• Train employees on how to use new IT systems and software
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure that their needs are being met by the IT department
• Respond to user questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Escalate issues to upper management as necessary
• Keep abreast of industry trends and best practices
• Perform regular maintenance on all IT systems

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field
• 10+ years experience in IT, with 5+ years in a management role
• Proven experience leading and developing teams of IT professionals
• Solid understanding of all aspects of IT operations, including network administration, systems analysis and design, database management, and software development
• Working knowledge of multiple programming languages
• Excellent project management skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field
• 15+ years experience in IT, with 10+ years in a management role
• Certification in project management (PMP) or related field
• Experience with cloud-based solutions and virtualization technologies
• Strong vendor management skills