Information systems manager

As an information systems manager, you'll be responsible for setting up an organisation's IT infrastructure and ensuring it's secure. The role also involves managing and coordinating technical teams, including application support, infrastructure, systems, and other experts in their own field.

Skilled in planning ahead and seeing the bigger picture, you'll plan, manage, and implement new IT projects, as well as oversee routine maintenance, security, and ongoing development.

To be successful, you'll need a combination of strong technical and management skills.

This role may also be advertised as a:

• functional manager
• service delivery manager
• systems manager.

What does an information systems manager do?

As an information systems manager, you'll need to:

• develop and implement IT service improvement plans, consulting with colleagues to ensure it meets their requirements
• research, plan, and manage new systems and technologies, directing the work of systems and business analysts, developers, support specialists, and other IT staff
• evaluate user needs and system functionality, ensuring that IT facilities meet these needs
• plan, develop and implement the IT budget
• manage relationships with external suppliers and subcontractors, as well as negotiate competitive prices to ensure cost-effectiveness
• guarantee the smooth running of all IT systems, including antivirus software, print services, and email provision
• schedule upgrades and security backups of hardware and software systems, and secure data from internal and external attack
• manage licence and software contracts and ensure that users adhere to software licensing laws
• supervise IT equipment management and distribution across the organisation and provide secure access to the network for remote users
• offer users and managers appropriate IT support and advice, including training new staff
• manage crisis situations, which may involve complex technical hardware or software problems
• provide advice to senior managers on future investment in IT systems and processes, and contribute to organisational policy regarding quality standards and strategic planning
• develop and drive the organisation's IT strategy, ensuring it aligns with the overall development strategy.

Average salary for an information systems manager

• Starting salaries for information systems managers in the UK can be as low as £21,000 and as high as £38,000.
• With experience, typical salaries can be in excess of £70,000 depending on your location, the type of organisation you work for, your skills, and previous experience.
• It's also possible to work as a freelance consultant, charging on a daily or project rate basis.

Employee benefits may include a private pension scheme, private healthcare and bonus scheme, as well as support for training and gaining relevant certifications.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does an information systems manager work?

You'll typically work normal office hours, up to 40 hours a week. However, you should expect to work some unsocial hours to undertake planned security maintenance and upgrades.

Much of the work is project based, which may require longer working hours to meet deadlines. You may also be on call to resolve crises, which means you'll need to be able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Fieldwork is uncommon, as information systems management is often done remotely. However, some travel and overnight stays may be required, such as when visiting sites or subcontractors. There may also be opportunities for hybrid working.

How to become an information systems manager

Although the industry is open to all graduates and HND holders with relevant experience, a degree in information technology or related fields will increase your chances.

The following subjects may also help:

• business management with computer science
• computer science
• information science
• IT management
• software engineering.

With the help of some of the biggest employers, Tech Industry Gold Skills has designed the BSc and MSc IT Management for Business (ITMB) degrees. The aim is to give students the technical, business, and interpersonal skills needed for a career in the IT sector.

There are also a range of IT degree courses that are accredited by the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT). 

If your undergraduate degree isn't in information technology or a related subject, you could consider taking a postgraduate course in computer science. For further information, search postgraduate courses in computer science.

Alternatively, you can do a degree apprenticeship, such as the Level 6 Digital & Technology qualification. This combines study with paid work, allowing you to train on the job and gain a qualification. Find an apprenticeship. 

Entry into information systems management may be possible without a degree or HND if you have substantial experience and skills.

Key skills for an information systems manager

You'll need to have:

• excellent knowledge of IT systems architecture and security, as well as skills in areas such as operating systems, programming, and development tools
• the ability to contribute to and implement organisational strategy, including being able to research new technologies and solutions
• confident decision-making skills and a systematic approach to problem-solving, including interpersonal competencies when communicating with others about issues
• the ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with staff across different departments and with different skill sets and levels of authority
• the ability to build relationships with external subcontractors and other professionals in the overall IT sector.

Information systems work experience

As this is a management role, you'll need experience in the IT sector. This could be in technical support, operations, hardware, operating systems, or systems development.

You can build up experience through work placements and internships during your degree or through a year out in industry. This will provide you with the opportunity to develop practical skills and a network of contacts that can be useful when looking for graduate jobs.

Large companies usually advertise internships and placements on their own websites and on IT job sites. For smaller businesses, you may have to make targeted speculative applications. There may also be opportunities to do IT-related voluntary work for community-based projects and charities.

You could also consider applying for programming jobs and graduate IT training programmes as a first career step. You could take advantage of networking opportunities offered through membership of a professional body such as the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT).

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs information systems managers?

Opportunities exist in any organisation that makes use of IT facilities. As such, the range of potential employers is vast. Recruiters may include:

• IT sector companies, including consultancy firms, software houses, IT service providers, and telecom companies, ranging from industry giants such as IBM to micro companies employing just a few people
• not-for-profit organisations
• private sector businesses, including financial institutions
• public sector organisations, such as local and central government, universities, hospitals and education institutions.

Self-employment and freelance consultancy are also options.

Look for job vacancies at:

• CWJobs
• IT JobBoard
• IT Jobs Watch

Specialist recruitment agencies, such as Monarch IT, Hays IT and Technology, and VIQU, commonly handle vacancies. It's also worth looking on social media sites like LinkedIn for any job postings.

Where can a career in information systems lead?

Once you're in the role, you'll have a variety of career options open to you. In a larger organisation, you may be able to follow a structured career path leading to increased management and technical responsibility. You could also progress into roles in project management and IT group management.

In smaller companies, there may be less progression potential but greater flexibility. This way, you can work across more aspects of the business or you can customise your role in line with your interests. Where progression is limited, you can usually use the experience you've gained to move to a different company, either in a higher level role or to broaden your skill set.

You might even consider running your own business in areas such as technical consultancy, contracting, or project management.

Most of your training is likely to be technical in nature to ensure you're up to speed with advances in IT products, services, and new technologies. However, you'll also need to develop broader, human skills, including:

• communication
• customer service
• leadership
• project management
• teamwork and team leadership
• time management.

You can also expect to be trained in company systems and procedures. Most training is on the job, supplemented by short, internal, or external courses as appropriate.

Formal training is more likely in larger organisations, and may include:

• mentoring schemes, especially for new information systems managers
• support for taking professional certifications.
• tailored training.

In smaller companies, a greater degree of self-study, such as e-learning courses, may be more the norm.

You'll need to keep learning throughout your career. Membership of relevant bodies, such as the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) is useful for access to events, training, advice, and building up a network of contacts.

You may wish to study part-time for a Masters degree or undertake a practitioner qualification offered by a specialist training provider. Examples of useful practitioner qualifications are BCS professional certifications and Prince2 project management qualifications.