IT Manager
Did you know that jobs in IT management are currently in demand? Check out more info on our Skills in Demand page.
Career overview
Responsible for the support, maintenance and management of the organisation's computer operations and infrastructure, ensuring the system meets the organisation's requirements, optimal system integrity, security controls, performance and reliability. The IT Manager also recommends, oversees and administers various types of acquisitions and upgrades to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of information and computer systems, and may also be responsible for varying levels of organisational strategy and financial budgeting.
Average salary
$98,083, based on 3-5 years of relevant IT experience
Case study: Rachel, early 30s
What do you do?
I am a technology services manager with an international law firm. I am responsible for resource allocation, service standards, high-end troubleshooting, implementation of systems/procedures and contributing to the ongoing development of software and hardware. Our IT team is quite young. Our two youngest team members are 19 years old and it's their first job after completing IT courses at university. An example of how we operate was the rollout of Windows 2000 in our Melbourne office. This involved 2 months of technical and logistical planning but the implementation itself occurred over a single weekend. As an international firm, our focus is directed not only to our interstate offices but our growing international practices in London, New York and Asia.
Describe an average day?
I don't think there is ever an average day - no two days are ever the same. The day usually begins around 8am and the first stop is always email and checking our call management software. I need to ensure that we have adequate resources available for the day-to-day tasks and I will liaise with the senior staff to keep in touch with what's happening in the department. National telephone and video conferences, internal and external meetings and people management - supporting my team - make up the rest of my day.
What technology skills are necessary in your job?
It's important for me to have a good working knowledge of system infrastructure and how it integrates with software and users' hardware. Strong software skills are needed for report writing, statistic compilation, general communication and troubleshooting. Good people management skills are essential.
How did you get to where you are today?
My strong background in word processing software provided the opportunity to develop a software support group responsible for implementing, training and supporting Microsoft Word. The continued development of that role and a strong customer service focus, which was developed in industries from hospitality to foreign language teaching, led to my appointment as the Technology Services Manager. This road from Software Support Supervisor/Trainer to Technology Services Manager has taken five years.
What made you decide on a career in ICT?
It really flowed out of my interest in working in the legal profession and seeing the opportunities once I was here.
What do you like about your job?
I like the diversity. I enjoy the people interaction and culture of our firm and having the responsibility to make changes. Also, I respect the profession, I like the people and I enjoy learning about and using the latest technology.
Is there anything you would change?
Without wanting to sound too clichéd, I really wouldn't change much about my job, although I would be tempted to reduce the amount of paper work involved with the people management side of my job.
Where do you see your career going next?
I don't have any plans to change my career path. I enjoy being the Technology Services Manager here. I have been working with Minter Ellison now for five years so I understand the culture here.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in ICT?
Technology is here to stay. If you don?t know much about ICT - get out there and investigate. There are so many opportunities within the technology field.
Skills listing
The ideal candidate possesses a combination of skills and experience in a variety of areas. Below is a list of the most commonly sought after skills, with highly sought after examples listed in brackets. This list is meant as a guide only.
Technical skills
- Ability to support and maintain system infrastructure
- Ability to identify and implement system solutions
- Knowledge of project management software (eg. MS Project)
- Ability to analyse organisational and user requirements
- Knowledge of network security (eg. VPN)
- Ability to report on strategic issues
- Understanding of service requirements across the organisation
- Management of Help Desk functions
Non-Technical skills
- Management skills
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Negotiation skills
- Ability to coordinate the IT team
- Hands-on approach
- Team oriented
- Results oriented
- Problem solving skills
- Strategic approach
