Network Manager

Job Description:

Network managers help design, install and run an organisation's IT, data and telephone systems.

Job Category:

IT Industry

See IT Industry jobs

What you will do:

You could:

assess a client’s computing requirements
design and test network plans to meet your client’s needs
put in place network security measures
plan back up and recovery systems
monitor and report on network performance and usage
identify problems and then fix them
manage other staff (leadership)

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
knowledge of systems analysis and development
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

As well as:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
complex problem-solving skills
the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
the ability to use your initiative (drive)
customer service skills

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
training with a private provider

University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a job as a trainee network manager.

Relevant subjects include:

computer networking and security
networks and communications systems
computer science
digital communications and networks

Apprenticeship
You could complete a network engineer higher apprenticeship or a digital technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

Work
You could move into network management if you have relevant experience. For example, working as a network engineer, senior IT support technician or IT manager.

Other Routes
You may be able to get an industry-recognised certificate like Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+ through a private training provider.

You normally need to work in IT or have a high level of technical ability to get one of these certificates.

Working Hours and Environment:

You could work in an office.

Career Path & Progression:

You’ll need to keep your skills up to date, for example in mobile and ‘cloud’ technologies. You can do this through training and industry certifications.

You could move into:

project and information management
service planning and delivery
information security
business analysis
freelance consultancy