The Responsibilities of an IT Manager

First, there is a difference between an Information Technology (IT) Manager and an IT Director. The IT Manager works under the IT Director, but helps the director oversees the employees. The IT Manager is typically responsible for all IT employees while the IT Director oversees all of the IT Managers. An IT Manager is responsible for the overall performance of a company’s electronic networks and leads the IT department in fulfilling the organization’s information systems requirements. Let’s explore more about the IT manager job description.

What is an IT Manager? 

The majority of IT Managers are fully trained and capable of handling any IT task. Those tasks may include evaluating new hardware or assisting and running cables for the creation of new work areas.

IT Managers are responsible for coordinating, planning, and leading computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the technology needs of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to fulfill the organization’s information systems requirements.

Additionally, the IT Manager is responsible for developing network maintenance and growth plans, creating annual and project budgets, managing the IT staff, and keeping the executive team up to date on the latest networking technologies. The goal is to help the company run smoothly and be successful. 

What Does an IT Manager Do? 

The duties and responsibilities of an IT Manager will vary based on the size of the company or organization as well as the industry they are working in. Additional duties and responsibilities are based on how many IT employees they oversee and the IT Director’s needs. However, the basic and most common duties of an IT Manager include: 

• Developing innovative network troubleshooting methods that reduce downtime
• Working closely with IT Directors to manage the maintenance and growth of the network 
• Monitoring any changes in network technology 
• Provding quarterly technology updates to the IT Director 
• Creating disaster plans that will keep the company afloat in the event of an IT crisis
• Determining rationale methods for upgrading company network software programs
• Planning and managing projects, risks, costs, time and project teams

What are the Requirements and Qualifications of an IT Manager? 

The requirements and qualifications to be a successful IT Manager include:

• Motivating, mentoring and developing team members for high performance
• Communicating and presenting using senior management language
• Influencing and building relationships
• Understanding strategy and business functions
• Decision-making and workflow
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field
• 5+ years of experience in information technology management
• Software development abilities
• Strong problem solving and communication skills
• Project management skills and setting operational tasks

IT Managers have complex jobs that require an in-depth knowledge of business, management, and information technology. Working in a lower-tier IT management role (IT Specialist, Computer Analysts) will allow for a smooth transition into an IT management position.  Typically, an IT Manager holds their position for 5 to 10 years before moving to a higher position. 

Consider the responsibilities of the IT manager job description before you take the leap forward. If you have been in the industry, an IT Manager is another stepping stone to the top of the IT chain in this ever-growing workforce.