Information systems manager
An information systems manager is responsible for the computer systems within a company, overseeing installation, ensuring back up systems operate effectively, purchasing hardware and software, providing the ICT technology infrastructures for an organisation and contributing to organisational policy regarding quality standards and strategic planning.
Information systems managers work in every size of organisation in the industry and the service sector, usually with a staff of technicians, programmers and database administrators reporting to them.
Although the title of information systems manager is becoming more common in the ICT sector, job titles may vary. For example, you might be a service delivery manager in a non-profit organisation and a function manager in a financial institution.
Information systems managers are responsible for the implementation of technology within an organisation and direct the work of systems and business analysts, computer programmers, support specialists and other computer-related workers. The post holder will usually be an experienced worker with technical expertise coupled with an understanding of business and management principles. Duties within the role are ultimately dependent on the employing organisation and the complexity of its information systems.
Standard activities are likely to include:
Companies going through business process re-engineering may well look to the information systems manager to deal with change management. Business process re-engineering entails re-designing the way work is done so that the organisation’s goal is met and costs are reduced. This requires an understanding of the capabilities and constraints of technology and resource implications in terms of budgets, as well as the training and recruitment of specialist staff.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates who have relevant industry experience, a degree or HND in information technology may increase your chances. Those studying in any area related to ICT may also be at an advantage and so the following subjects may help:
The work is also open to all diplomates, but an HND in the following subjects may improve your chances:
business (information technology); computing; computing (ICT systems support). Entry without a degree or HND is possible for those with substantial relevant experience and ICT skills.
A postgraduate qualification is desirable and those without a relevant first degree might choose to take a postgraduate course in computer science. See Prospects Postgraduate Directory for further information.
A new graduate without experience is unlikely to enter directly at management level. Experience in computer operations, technical support or systems programming, as well as in project management, is normally essential. In addition to technical skills, potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Unless the employing organisation is very small, this position also requires the ability to manage a team of individuals, each a specialist in their own area; knowledge of personnel issues is, therefore, useful.
A wide range of experience in hardware, operating systems, software and team leadership through appropriate paid or unpaid work experience will enhance your skills portfolio. Global companies may be interested in work experience abroad, even if this is not directly related to ICT. Consider applying for programming jobs and company training programmes as a first career step. Become a member of the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) and take advantage of the networking opportunities offered through membership of a professional body.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
There are no widely recognised training courses for this management role. However, regular training in specific technical products is essential and offered by product suppliers and ICT training providers. Like many career paths in ICT, progress will be aided by taking additional courses, especially in the market-leading technologies such as with Oracle and Microsoft and the operating systems on which they run.
Most training is likely to be technical in nature to ensure that you are up to speed with developments, but 'soft' skills are also important and in-house courses may also cover communication, time management, project management and customer service skills. To understand user needs, information systems managers must be able to work in multidisciplinary teams, so training may be given on team working and team leading. Training in company systems and procedures is also common. The majority of training is on the job, supplemented by short, internal or external courses as appropriate.
Formal training is more likely in larger organisations than in small ones, where on-the-job training is the norm and the provision of books and CD-ROMs for self-study is typical. Larger companies may offer mentoring schemes and tailor training to facilitate individual development plans.
Professional qualifications, such as those provided by the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) , provide a framework for professional standards and a recognition of the skills you have obtained. The BCS will also help by providing information and guidance to assist members in developing their expertise and recognising and planning their learning needs.
e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology can offer advice and give information on careers and training in IT.
Information systems managers work in a wide variety of organisations and career prospects vary accordingly. Larger organisations may offer structured career paths in this field, with increasing management and technical responsibility. Opportunities may also exist, depending on the organisation and the nature of the role, in management and technical strategy at directorship level. Information systems managers may also progress into roles in project management and IT group management.
The role of an information systems manager in a smaller organisation is likely to cover a wide range of responsibilities, and some choose to enhance their programming and development skills within the organisation. They will customise their role to satisfy their interests while meeting the needs of the organisation and, either stay with that organisation, or use the skills they have developed to move to a different role in another business.
Some information systems managers choose to capitalise on their specialist technical knowledge and business experience by moving into technical consultancy, contracting or project management.
The Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) runs a continuing professional development (CPD) programme for members and the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) will also be able to provide up-to-date information on career progression and areas of development.
Opportunities can be found at any organisation that makes use of ICT facilities, meaning the range of potential employers is vast. Recruiters include organisations in the public sector, such as local and central government, universities and hospitals, as well as those in the private and not-for-profit sectors. The public sector has seen a significant increase in the number of ICT staff it employs.
The role of information systems manager can provide you with the opportunity to use your ICT skills in a hands-on environment in a sector that is of interest to you; you can work for organisations as diverse as charities, the media or in higher education.
Opportunities also exist within the ICT sector itself. Even household names in the industry need to ensure that their own systems are functional and well-managed. ICT companies range from industry giants such as IBM to micro companies employing fewer than five people.
Skills shortage areas are reported to be in networking, systems design, systems development and PC support. Employers include ICT consultancy firms, software houses, ICT services providers and telecom companies; these are likely to place even greater reliance on, and have even higher expectations of, their ICT systems.
Opportunities also exist for self-employment and consultancy roles.
Recruitment agencies commonly handle vacancies, particularly for more senior positions. See the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) to search for agencies by type of vacancy and location.
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