Network Manager

Typical Salary

£22,000 To £70,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings occasionally

How To Become a Network Manager

You can get into this job through:

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

College / 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

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

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

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

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

Other Routes

You may be able to get industry recognised certification like Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+ through a private training provider. You'll normally be working in IT to do these or have a high level of technical ability.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
the ability to work well with others
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
customer service skills
persistence and determination
to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Day To Day Tasks

Typically your responsibilities will include:

assessing a client's computing requirements
designing and testing network plans to meet your client's needs
putting in place network security measures
planning back up and recovery systems
organising preventative maintenance schedules
monitoring and reporting on network performance and usage
supervising technical staff
managing network growth and development

Working 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 professional development training and industry certifications.

You can move into project and information management, service planning and delivery, information security, business analysis or freelance consultancy.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about computing careers and training through The Chartered Institute for IT and Tech Future Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.