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Information systems manager

Information systems managers are responsible for the secure and effective operation of all computer systems, related applications, hardware and software that is used within a wide range of public and private sector organisations.

The international computer industry standard Ethernet protocol at the heart of most Local Area Networks (LANs) was developed in America during the mid-1970s by Robert Metcalfe, a researcher at Xerox.

Information systems manager job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Responsibilities of the job vary according to employment sector, but typically comprise:

managing a team of staff including programmers, analysts and support specialists
evaluating the functionality of systems
consulting computer users to ascertain needs and to ensure that facilities meet user or project requirements
managing IT budgets
ensuring adherence with software licensing laws
implementing and managing security or integrity and backup procedures
scheduling upgrades
providing user training, support, advice and feedback
testing and modifying systems to ensure that that they operate reliably
managing secure network access for remote users
keeping up-to-date with new technology
designing maintenance procedures and putting them into operation.

Typical employers for information systems managers

financial organisations
IT companies
management consultancy firms
software houses
universities
hospitals
local authorities
central government.

Any organisation that makes extensive use of computers may employ an information systems manager.

Vacancies are advertised by recruitment agencies, careers services, via the Internet, in newspapers and publications such as Computing and Computer Weekly. Further information is available in the GTI TARGET IT publication.

Qualifications and training required

Almost all opportunities require candidates to possess relevant industrial experience (particularly experience gained within the fields of project management, technical support, systems programming or computer operations). Consequently IT skills and employment-based experience are generally considered to be more important than academic qualifications. However degrees in subjects such as management sciences, business studies, computer science/studies, information technology or software/computer engineering may prove advantageous. For graduates without relevant qualifications and/or experience, gaining a postgraduate computing/IT qualification is advisable.