Managers of IT provide leadership during projects ranging from large, strategic initiatives to small systems upgrades.
Managers of information technology provide leadership, team management and stewardship for an organization's IT-enabled business systems, solutions and processes. They manage the technology portfolio, which typically includes personal computers, mainframes, servers, data storage, networks, middleware, Internet services and other IT systems that comprise the core infrastructure. Managers of information technology are dynamic, engaging and personable technologists, and provide leadership during projects ranging from large, strategic initiatives to small systems upgrades.
Information Technology Leadership
IT managers effectively translate and incorporate strategic objectives into the organization's technology roadmap. Technology managers understand the organization's business processes, systems platforms and infrastructure architecture, and participate in their development. They sponsor new systems installation and integration efforts, manage expectations and work to prevent interruption to IT services and loss of productivity. Managers of information technology establish and maintain a strong network of technology and business contacts, and leverage these partnerships to drive the adoption of technology solutions.
Technical Acumen
Information technology managers exercise sound business judgment when making decisions, and adhere to external and internal policies and regulations. They are both analytical and articulate--they digest and covey complex technology algorithms in concise business terms. Managers of information technology share technical knowledge, relate computing systems capabilities to business processes and oversee the development of functional specifications. They develop and execute a technology life cycle management strategy, and partner with other disciplines to implement technology strategies and systems.
Technology Management
They budget and prioritize technology initiatives, plan for technology growth and oversee the organization's technology portfolio. They lead internal teams, manage vendor relationships and interact with business partners across the organization to understand and satisfy their technology needs. IT managers function as both project managers and business analysts and balance business requirements with the organization's computing capabilities. They advocate the use of IT and ensure information assets are in place and operational. The fiscal responsibilities of the IT manager include developing and managing technology operating budgets, reviewing and approving IT spending and understanding the cost elements related to the delivery of technology projects, products and systems. They are also responsible for the financial aspects of the technology department, including purchasing, budgeting and budget review.
IT Staff Administration
In addition to the computing environment, technology managers are also responsible for managing IT staff. They facilitate staff meetings, presentations and training sessions to assist staff in understanding and using technology. Technology managers assign work, conduct one-on-one discussions with their direct reports, continually observe staff performance and provide feedback as necessary.
Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or related area is typically required to qualify for a manager of information technology position; some employers prefer candidates with advanced graduate degrees or technical certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Professional and Cisco Certified Network Associate. Five to seven years of experience in technology management is required, in addition to business savvy, customer relationship management and staff management and HR administration skills.
Compensation
The median expected salary for an information technology manager in the U.S. is $105,073, as of November 2009. According to Salary.com, factors such as company size, industry, credentials and years of experience can dramatically affect an IT manager's compensation. In general, the salary range for a typical manager of information technology in the U.S. is $89,978 to $123,954.
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