Monday, January 6, 2014

RHT: Why the IT Manager is the New “It” Tech Position in 2014


by Jillian Kurvers
January 6, 2014 Robert Half Technology





Starting salaries for IT managers are on the rise.

Great news for IT managers: You’re not just growing in popularity, you’re growing in demand – with a nice salary increase to go with it.

“Top IT managers have always been in demand, but with more industries utilizing Big Data and non-traditional IT solutions – especially enterprise-centric mobile applications – we’re expecting to see more companies seeking candidates for these IT leadership roles,” said Jared Cardon, permanent placement recruiting manager for Robert Half Technology in San Francisco.

And if you don’t yet have an IT manager on your team, 2014 might be the time to hire one. According to Cardon, “Any company that uses large databases needs an IT Manager, not just administrators and support staff.” It’s important to ask yourself this question: Who do you want managing your company’s business-critical data? If it’s not a high-caliber, skilled IT manager, your company could be missing out – or at risk.
More Than Just Tech Skills: What it Takes to Be an IT Manager

IT managers need both a technical and a business background, as well as strong people management skills. “IT managers must be effective advocates for the IT strategy as well as translate non-technical expectations into achievable IT solutions,” said Cardon. In other words, these individuals must be fantastic communicators who can decipher business lingo and decode software speak.

An IT manager who thinks analytically is also very important, as this position involves not just problem resolution, but process development around how to prioritize and remediate those issues. In addition, a strong customer service orientation is integral because IT managers often serve as the final escalation point for high-visibility troubleshooting.
What Hiring Managers Want

Those hiring IT managers look for top candidates with a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related field, plus at least five years of experience with the specific types of business systems, hardware and networking services utilized by the firm. Demonstrated leadership is also a must.

Here is a list of qualifications:
  • Be able to analyze workflow, delegate projects and meet departmental goals 
  • Develop and monitor performance standards 
  • Provide input on hiring decisions for technical staff 
  • Implement and monitor new projects 
  • Manage performance of and delegate projects to team members 
On the Rise in 2014: IT Manager Salary

It’s no surprise given the demand for these IT professionals that a starting IT manager salary is projected to increase 5.3 percent in 2014, with compensation ranging from $99,000–$142,250.* (You can use our Salary Calculator to adjust an entry-level IT manager salary for your city.)

In addition to information on a starting IT manager salary and job description, you’ll find information on starting compensation for 70 IT jobs in 150 North American cities in our 2014 Salary Guide.

*In Canada, starting IT manager salaries also are projected to rise in 2014 by five percent, to $104,750-$137,250.

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