Network Manager

Hours
You would work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may be expected to work overtime on some jobs to minimise disruption to a client's business.
The job is normally office-based and may be at one site, or could involve travel between various sites.

Income

• Starting salaries can be between £24,000 and £32,000 a year.
• Experienced managers earn between £33,500 and £47,000.
• Senior staff with strategic responsibility can earn over £50,000 a year.

Opportunities

Opportunities exist with any organisation that relies on IT systems. The IT and telecommunications industries are moving closer together, so there may be opportunities within that area for networking professionals.
Other employers include companies that manufacture computers and IT equipment, or those that specialise in the supply, installation and servicing of computer networks. It may also be possible to work abroad.
Your promotion options include project and information management and planning, information security, business analysis, systems architecture and freelance consultancy.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading.

Entry Requirements

You normally need relevant experience to become a network manager, for example working as a network engineer, an IT support technician or an IT manager. See the profiles for Network Engineer, IT Project Manager, and Computer Service and Repair Technician for more information about these roles.
You may be able to take up a trainee position as a network manager with a company if you have a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree. Relevant subjects include:

• computer networks
• networks and communications systems
• computer science
• digital communications and networks.

The Work

Network managers are responsible for designing, implementing and administering computer network systems within an organisation or between organisations. They could manage a company's in-house network support team, or work in IT consultancy, dealing with a number of different clients.

Skills and Knowledge

• excellent IT skills and technical knowledge
• strong problem-solving skills
• good negotiating skills
• excellent communication and presentation skills
• the ability to take responsibility and be decisive
• the ability to work within a team
• effective planning and organisational skills
• project management skills
• the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
• a commitment to keep up-to-date with IT trends and developments
• the ability to work within a budget.