Information systems manager: job description

Information systems manager : Salaries | Employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Information systems managers (also known as IT systems managers, IT business systems managers and IT managers) manage teams and budgets as part of their role ensuring that the IT their organisation uses is working effectively.

Typical duties include :

• analysing and reporting on the functionality of IT systems
• consulting colleagues to ascertain needs and to ensure that facilities meet user or project requirements
• selecting and purchasing hardware and software
• managing projects and the installation of new systems
• ensuring software licensing laws are followed
• 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
• designing maintenance procedures and putting them into operation
• liaising with senior managers and IT professionals about technology issues and needs.

As the person responsible for IT in an organisation, you’re likely to need to work long hours when deadlines are approaching or problems need solving. You may also need to be on call to deal with IT emergencies.

Graduate salaries

IT managers need to be experienced – not only in IT but also in managing people and costs – so the role tends not to be one that’s suitable for graduates until they’ve gained several years’ experience in a relevant role .

However, once you’ve gained the experience needed to move into IT management, you can expect a starting salary of around £40,000. Earnings are higher in London: up to £75,000 for an experienced IT manager – as reported In the Hays Salary Guide.

Typical employers of information systems managers

You’ll typically be able to find employment as an IT manager at:

• Financial and professional services organisations.
• IT companies.
• Management consultancy firms.
• Software companies.
• Universities and other educational institutions.
• Hospitals and health organisations.
• Local central government.
• Retailers.
• Charities.
• Media and entertainment companies.

Since the growth of remote and hybrid working, almost all organisations employ someone to ensure IT systems are functioning well and securely. Small organisations may contract out their IT support, while large organisations may have multiple IT systems managers or directors. Job titles may vary depending on the focus of the role. Experienced IT professionals can work freelance or take on contract work.

Vacancies are advertised by recruitment agencies and IT jobs boards.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into this profession for both school leavers and graduates.

For graduates, a degree or a higher national diploma (HND) in information technology or a related subject such as information technology management, computer science, software engineering, business management and information technology or management science is usually required. If you don’t have a degree in a relevant subject, look at postgraduate IT conversion courses: these provide a grounding in IT for graduates of all disciplines. Find out about postgraduate IT conversion courses in this article .

Regardless of your degree, you can build skills by working in IT roles and gain the experience needed by IT systems managers.

Key skills for information systems managers

IT managers must have:

• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong technical skills
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Attention to detail
• Teamworking skills
• Organisation and time management
• The ability to work with people at all levels in an organisation
• Management and leadership skills .

If you’re aspiring to a career in IT management, then check out the job descriptions listed below. These are some of the graduate-level IT roles that will help you begin building the necessary experience to become an IT manager.