ADD ADVICE TO FAVSystems manager
Systems managers work in house, or for a facilities management company, which runs computer facilities for its clients.
What systems managers do
- maintain working systems in a continuous state of operation, which may involve managing a shift schedule if the systems are run around the clock
- recruit, train and manage computing staff, from data input clerks and computer operators to programmers and senior staff
- organise systems maintenance and updating as necessary
- negotiate requirements with customers
- consider the amount of use a system gets, and whether it can cope with it or needs to be enhanced.
Key skills
- general management skills
- ability to plan and organise
- initiative
- business awareness
- ability to select, motivate and evaluate staff
- financial and time management skills.
Training to be a systems manager
Systems managers usually start as programmers and progress to designers, systems analysts, networkers and section managers, before becoming systems managers.
They may progress to managing larger establishments as data-processing managers or IT directors.
Salaries
Salaries are lowest in the public sector and highest in the financial sector. The range is from £32,000 to £85,000, and at more senior levels it can exceed £90,000.
Professional bodies
- BCS (British Computer Society)
- Institute for the Management of Information Systems
- Institute of Business Consulting
- Society of Information Technology Management
