Network Manager
What is the work like?
Network managers are responsible for designing, implementing and administering computer network systems within an organisation or between organisations. They may manage a company's in-house network support team, or work for an IT consultancy firm, dealing with a number of different clients.
As a network manager, you would work with four main network systems:
- local area networks (LANs) – connecting computers within a limited area like an office or building
- metropolitan area networks (MANs) – joining LANs together across a city
- wide area networks (WANs) – linking systems across national boundaries
- global area networks (GANs) – combining networks over an unlimited geographical area, often using wireless and satellite technology.
Your key responsibilities, for example when working with a company's LAN system, are to make sure that the network has the capacity to meet the company's business needs and that it is secure. Your typical duties might include:
- assessing a client's network requirements
- designing and testing plans to meet those requirements
- making sure network plans are compatible with other computer systems
- supervising technical staff
- implementing network security measures
- planning preventative maintenance schedules
- monitoring and reporting on network performance and usage
- managing network growth and development.
You would work closely with other IT professionals and business managers to make sure systems work efficiently. See the profiles for Network Engineer and IT Project Manager.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You normally need proven experience to become a network manager. Relevant experience includes 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 jobs.
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. Useful subjects include:
- computer networks
- networks and communications systems
- computer science
- digital communications and networks.
If you have the right qualities, employers may consider you if your qualification is in a subject other than IT, and provide relevant training afterwards. At the moment, three out of five people working in computing started out with a non-IT degree.
You can search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNCs/HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
For details about IT careers, see the e-skills, British Computer Society and CompTIA websites.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a network manager, you should continue to update your skills throughout your career. You could do this through on-the-job training and work towards professional qualifications and certifications, which include:
- City & Guilds Higher Professional Diploma for IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) Level 4
- OCR (iPRO) Higher Level award for IT Professionals (ICT Systems Support) Level 4
- BTEC HNC/HND in Computing (ICT Systems Support) levels 4 and 5
- NVQs for IT Professionals at levels 3 and 4.
Some of these cover Linux operating systems as well as Windows.
Cisco and Microsoft certification training may also help to develop your career, although it is recommended that you have a level 3 qualification or extensive experience in the IT industry before starting a programme. The main ones for networking include:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Network Professional (CCNP) and Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).
Graduate Professional Development Award (GDPA)
E-skills, higher education institutions and IT employers have developed this award, which you could take as part of an undergraduate, postgraduate or work-based training programme. It covers key skills required by the industry, including problem solving, teamworking and technical competencies. See e-skills UK for details.
British Computer Society (BCS)
You could take the BCS professional awards to enhance your career prospects. These include a Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma, which are equivalent to the first, second and third year of a university honours degree. You can choose from options including computer networks and network information systems. Contact BCS for further details and entry requirements.
Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA)
The SFIA framework has been developed by e-skills, industry bodies and employers to help you identify your current skills and plan future career development options. You can find detailed information on the SFIA website.
Where can I go for more information?
London
SW1E 6DR
North Star House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 1FA
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Network managers' salaries start between £24,000 and £31,000.
- Experienced network managers earn between £33,500 and £47,000.
- Senior staff with strategic responsibilities may earn over £50,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may need to work outside of office hours on some jobs to minimise disruption to a client's service.
Your job is normally office-based and may be based at one site or, if working on a large network operation, involve travel between sites.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- 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
- an understanding of the client's business demands
- a commitment to keep up-to-date with IT trends and developments
- the ability to work within a budget.
What opportunities are there?
Your prospects are good, as any organisation which relies on IT systems will employ network managers and engineers. The IT and telecommunications industries are moving closer together, so there will be opportunities within that area for networking professionals.
You can also work for companies that manufacture computers and IT equipment, or those that specialise in the supply, installation and servicing of computer networks. It is possible to work abroad for a UK or overseas company.
Your options for promotion would include project and information management and planning, information security, business analysis, systems architecture and freelance consultancy.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
ITJobsWatch
ComputerWeekly
Computing Careers
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
