How to become an Information Technology Manager
Information technology (IT) managers plan, administer and review the acquisition, development, maintenance and use of computer and telecommunications systems within organisations. The IT manager is often the most senior person in the IT department and in large organisations may be called the IT Director or Chief Information Officer.
Personal requirements for an Information Technology Manager
- Good leadership skills
- Good planning, organisational, analytical and decision-making skills
- Able to motivate peers, clients and suppliers
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Able to explain complex concepts clearly
- Able to determine and address clients' needs
- Able to accept a significant level of responsibility and accountability.
Duties & Tasks of an Information Technology Manager
IT managers may perform the following tasks:
- Determine current and future IT needs by consulting with people at all levels of an organisation about the current work systems and deciding how improvements can be made
- Analyse the information needs of an organisation and develop technological solutions to satisfy those needs
- Prepare or direct IT policy and plan strategy development
- Direct activities to select and install major IT systems
- Oversee the provision of training for users and clients
- Direct the integration of IT operations, computer hardware, operating systems, communications, software applications and data processing
- Determine priorities for systems developments, maintenance and operations
- Control the security aspects of IT systems
- Provide advice to other senior managers and boards on IT issues and planning.
Working conditions for an Information Technology Manager
IT managers usually work indoors in an office. They may have to work in the evenings or on weekends. Working conditions can be stressful at times, especially when deadlines need to be met or during disaster recovery operations.
Specializations
Depending on the size and complexity of an organisation's IT function, there may be an opportunity for some specialisation.
Information Technology Security Manager
An information technology security manager deals with the security of IT systems, including aspects such as password protection, data access trails, encryption and theft. IT security managers may also be involved in contingency planning and risk management analysis.
Quality Manager (IT)
A quality manager (IT ) is responsible for preparing guidelines and evaluating IT systems against Australian or international standards and performance criteria. Some may supervise the work of quality assurance audit teams.
Systems/Operations Manager
A systems/operations manager oversees planning and implementation of new or modified systems within the organisation's overall IT framework.
Support Manager (IT)
A support manager (IT) is involved in providing day-to-day product or system support to clients and users via advisory services such as help desks.
Knowledge Manager
A knowledge manager works to ensure that an organisation's staff are up to date with recent developments and thinking.
Information Technology Manager
Information technology (IT) managers plan, administer and review the acquisition, development, maintenance and use of computer and telecommunications systems within organisations. The IT manager is often the most senior person in the IT department and in large organisations may be called the IT Director or Chief Information Officer.
Information Technology Security Manager
An information technology security manager deals with the security of IT systems, including aspects such as password protection, data access trails, encryption and theft. IT security managers may also be involved in contingency planning and risk management analysis.
Knowledge Manager
A knowledge manager works to ensure that an organisation's staff are up to date with recent developments and thinking.
Quality Manager (IT)
A quality manager (IT ) is responsible for preparing guidelines and evaluating IT systems against Australian or international standards and performance criteria. Some may supervise the work of quality assurance audit teams.
Support Manager (IT)
A support manager (IT) is involved in providing day-to-day product or system support to clients and users via advisory services such as help desks.
Systems/Operations Manager
A systems/operations manager oversees planning and implementation of new or modified systems within the organisation's overall IT framework.
