In today’s business environment, for a business to be successful, it needs to be accessible. Accessibility comes from being online and connected to the internet. At the same time, internet accessibility is also instrumental in reducing inefficiency and streamlining processes.
Information Technology (IT) Managers are responsible for the executive, implementation, and upkeep of all computer and related systems that allow a business to stay connected. They also allow the staff to share information and resources over local servers.
In this article, we take a deeper look at what do IT managers do, the skills required for the role, and the industries in which they can work.
Table of Contents
What is an IT Manager?
An IT Manager is the lead person in charge of an organisation’s IT department. They are responsible for measuring the IT needs of a business and setting up a technology infrastructure to ensure that operations run smoothly. At the same time, they also need to ensure that systems and networks are secure to safeguard information.
Since the position of an IT Manager is a leadership role, they are also responsible for training and managing their team, initiating IT policies and best practices, and ensuring that the goals of the IT department align with organisational goals.
IT Managers can also be required to collaborate with other departments to understand their technology needs and help design and implement specific solutions to improve productivity and efficiency. Listed below are some tasks required of an IT Manager:
- Overseeing the maintenance of computers and network servers
- Managing the IT department and providing training and upskilling
- Establishing best IT practices
- Implementing cyber security measures to protect company data
- Provide technical support to departmental heads
- Upgrade IT infrastructure as per changing requirements
Read more on Cybersecurity in the Modern Business Landscape: Regenesys MBA Perspective here
What are the Key Responsibilities of IT Managers?
Information technology uses hardware, software, and its related infrastructure to help deliver information. When we examine what do IT managers do, they are responsible for for helping an organisation embrace and use technology to the best of its ability.
For most office employees, their only contact with the IT department is to help retrieve passwords. However, the IT department under the leadership of the IT manager carry out much bigger tasks.
They are responsible to install software that can allow an organisation to track productivity, simplify payroll, or assist project managers. They also help to ensure that the organisations network is protected to help safeguard confidential data.
Let us examine what do IT managers do in organisations.
Strategic Planning
IT managers are involved in strategic planning to help improve overall efficiency and allow organisations to remain competitive. They must also tay up to date with emerging technology and study their implementation in the organisation.
- Align IT strategies with business objectives
- Allow companies to have a competitive advantage
Team Leadership and Coordination
They recruit skilled talent to help grow the IT department. IT managers are also responsible for monitoring the progress of their team and ensuring IT related updates and projects are complete on time.
- Build a skilled team with diverse skills
- Delegate tasks
- Monitor progress
Technology Implementation
IT managers also need to work towards continuous improvement in terms of scaling systems. They need to be aware of new technological advancements and help implement software and hardware that can benefit company needs.
- Help organisations integrate new technologies
- Ensure systems are updated
- Tailor software to serve organisational needs
System Maintenance and Upgrades
This is an important responsibility when discussing what do IT managers do since technology constantly changes. The IT manager is responsible for updating all software and anti-virus detection tools.
- Monitor systems for performance and reliability
- Keep software updated
Budget Management
They are responsible for managing the IT department’s budget and must invest in technologies with a high return on investment (ROI).
- Seek cost-effective IT solutions
- Ensure expenditures align with company objectives
Data Security and Compliance:
This is one of the most important responsibilities when we discuss what do IT managers do. They must install robust cybersecurity measures to protect company technology and sensitive information. In South Africa, It managers must ensure that they follow the regulations mentioned under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Act.
- Ensure systems are protected against cyber attacks
- Compliance with local laws
Problem Solving and Troubleshooting:
They are also responsible for delegating tasks and assigning team members to troubleshoot minor IT issues such as password retrieval, printing errors, etc. They should also be prepared for larger emergencies such as a cyber attack.
- Resolve issues swiftly
- Have contingency plans prepared in case of an emergency
Stakeholder Communication
They serve as the point of contact between IT and other departments as well as the management. They can help other departments understand how to utilise new technology and also help them understand the limitations of IT.
- Helps to communicate upgrades with internal stakeholders
- Serves as a liaison between IT and other departments
What are the Skills Required for IT Managers?
To reach the position of IT manager, individuals need to have strong technical knowledge and several years of work experience. IT managers can gain knowledge by enrolling in a renowned Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, such as the one offered by the School of Technology at Regenesys.
While IT managers are working, they can continue to upskill to familiarise themselves with new technology or take management courses to help acquire skills that can be beneficial for a managerial position. When we explore what do IT managers do, it is these skills that allow them to complete their tasks efficiently.
We have covered what do IT managers do. Let us now examine some skills that are required to carry out their responsibilities efficiently.
- Leadership: IT managers need to be strong leaders so that they can motivate and guide their teams towards achieving their objectives. They must be able to mentor their team and help them improve in their roles.
- Technical Expertise: They need in-depth knowledge about IT systems, hardware, and emerging technologies. This comes from traditional education and practical experience.
- Strategic Thinking: These managers need to align the goals of the IT department to help the organisation achieve its objectives. This includes improving the backend, upgrading servers, and integrating new technologies.
- Problem-Solving: When IT managers are skilled and experienced, they can quickly resolve IT-related organisational problems. Their problem-solving abilities also allow them to anticipate and prepare for future challenges.
- Communication: They need to be able to articulate the needs and limitations of the IT system and the steps the company needs to take to make improvements. When we think about what do IT managers do, they are also responsible for translating technical terms into easy-to-understand laymans concepts.
In Which Industries Do IT Managers Work?
With the prevalence of computers and computer systems, IT managers are employed across industries. When we examine what do IT managers do in various sectors, overall, they help to maintain a company’s IT infrastructure.
They are involved in day to day operations of ensuring that systems are updated and running efficiently. At the same time, they are also responsible for data management and data storage.
However, their work also varies depending on the type of organisation that employs them. When working for financial institutions or in the healthcare sector, they must employ stringent security measures to protect confidential information.
Let us examine some industries where IT managers work and their responsibilities.
- Banking and Finance: IT managers help to create secure transactional systems by using data encryption and other security measures.
- Healthcare: They can help hospitals employ an electronic patient record system, install medical software applications, and help create systems to enable medical research.
- Retail: In retail, they are essential in providing backend support to e-commerce apps and creating a system to allow companies to track sales. They also help overlook security measures on e-commerce sites, integrate payment gateways, and create a seamless network that connects suppliers to concumers.
- Education: If one if wondering what do IT managers do in the field of education, they can be employed by educational institutes or government departments to help make education accessible to students in remote and rural areas of a country.
How to Become and IT Manager in South Africa?
Becoming an IT Manager requires a combination of education, experience, and skills. This leadership position involves overseeing and maintaining organisational IT infrastructure, training and leading teams, implementing cyber security measures, and aligning technology with the changing business needs.
Listed below are the steps that individuals can take if they wish to pursue a career as an IT Manager:
1. Complete an Undergraduate Qualification
The first step in working as an IT Manager is building a strong educational foundation by completing a Bachelor of Computer Science.
2. Gain IT Experience
While studying, students should participate in bootcamps and competitions that allow them to test their skills and knowledge against their peers.
3. Apply for IT roles
To become qualified as an IT Manager, professionals need to first gain experience in entry-level and junior IT positions. These can include roles such as Network Administrator, Software Developer, and IT Analyst.
4. Develop Leadership and Management Skills
While working in IT departments, professionals should take on leadership roles. They can also work to improve their soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.
5. Complete IT Certifications
As individuals gain experience, they can complete IT certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).
6. Enrol for Postgraduate Study
When we look at what do IT managers do and the skills that they require, it can help IT professionals quicken the route to promotion if they complete a management programme such as an accredited Master of Business Administration or a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration offered by Regenesys Business School, and help prepare students for leadership roles.
7. Apply for an IT Manager Role
These steps can help equip IT professionals with the technical knowledge and practical and technical skills required to succeed and thrive in this position.
Read more What is MBA in Information Technology?: All You Need to Know here
Why Pursue Management Studies at Regenesys?
Regenesys is one of the top private institutes in South Africa, with a renowned business school. IT professionals can gain invaluable skills when they enrol in a graduate-level management programme.
It can help hone leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, which are essential in management roles. It also teaches individuals to become adaptable to change and prepares them to work across industries.
At Regenesys, management classes are also offered online, allowing professionals to gain additional qualifications while continuing to work.
Read more on What is MBA in Information Technology
Conclusion
In today’s business environment, IT Managers play a critical role in ensuring corporations stay competitive and efficient. When we examine what do IT managers do, they are responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, maintenance, and security of IT systems that help businesses stay connected and streamline processes. They also take strategic steps to protect valuable data.
IT Managers help businesses leverage technology to stay ahead of the competition and meet organisational objectives. As technology continues to evolve, so does the importance of IT managers across all industries.
Students interested in pursing a career in IT should check out the curriculum and programme details for the BSc in Computer Science offered by Regenesys’ School of Technology.
What Do Information Technology Managers Do? – FAQs
How to become an information technology manager?
The best route is to complete an undergraduate programme in Computer Science, such as the one offered by the Regenesys School of Technology.
What industries employ IT Managers?
IT Managers work in a wide variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, education, government, manufacturing, and more.
What skills are needed to be an IT Manager?
Key skills for IT Managers include leadership, technical expertise, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication abilities. They must also stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices.
What do IT Managers do to help a business stay competitive?
IT managers help business stay competitive by integrating emerging technologies, improving systems’ efficiency, and aligning IT strategies with business objectives.
What challenges do IT Managers face?
IT Managers need to stay updated on technological changes to ensure data security. They must also integrate new systems, stay within budget constraints, and meet the needs of various departments within an organization.
