Network managers are responsible for evaluating, 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 and deal with a number of different clients.

Network managers deal with four types of network system:

• local area networks (LANs) - connecting workstations within an office, building or limited area
• metropolitan area networks (MANs) - linking networks citywide or across a region
• wide area networks (WANs) - linking national or international networks 
• global area networks (GANs) - combining networks over an unlimited geographical area.

Network managers' key responsibilities are to make sure that an organisation's computer system has the capacity to meet its business needs and is secure. Their main duties include:

• analysing and evaluating a client's network requirements
• designing and testing plans that 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.

Network managers 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.

Hours and Environment

Network managers work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They may need to work outside of office hours on some jobs to minimise disruption to a client's service.

As a network manager, your job is normally office-based and may be at one site or, if working on a large network operation, may involve travel between sites.

Skills and Interests

As a network manager, you 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.

Entry

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 hold a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation degree or degree. Useful subjects include:

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

Employers will often consider other subjects and provide relevant training afterwards. At the moment, three out of five people working in computing started out with a non-IT degree.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

For details about careers in networking, see the e-skills, British Computer Society and CompTIA websites in Further Information.

Training

Once you start working as a network manager, you should continue updating your skills throughout your career. This can be done through on-the-job training, working towards a number of professional qualifications and certifications. Some of these 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/SVQs for IT Professionals at levels 3 and 4. 

Cisco Certification 
Cisco offers certification at several levels for students and network professionals alike, including:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – although not essential, ideally to start this award,  you should have a level 3 IT qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – you will need CCNA or a equivalent level of knowledge and experience
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) – it is recommended that you have several years' IT experience.

 You will find more details on the Cisco website. 

Microsoft Certification
You can work towards a range of Microsoft awards but the two most relevant to this job are:

• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) - covers network analysis, design and implementation
• Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) - covers network implementation, management and maintenance.

Once again, it is recommended that you hold a level 3 qualification or have extensive experience in the IT industry before starting certification training. See the Microsoft website for more details. 

Graduate Professional Development Award (GDPA)
E-skills, higher education institutions and IT employers have developed this award, which you can 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 can 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.

The 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 pathways. You can find detailed information on the SFIA website below.

Opportunities

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 include:

• project and information management and planning
• information security
• business analysis and process improvement
• systems architecture and freelance consultancy.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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.

Further information

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