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Network Manager

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Network Manager Career Details

Network managers have a range of responsibilities including 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 may work for an IT consultancy firm, dealing with a number of client accounts.

There are four types of computer network:

local area networks (LANs), which link offices in one building or branches of the same company within a limited area
metropolitan area networks (MANs), link offices across a region
wide area networks (WANs), which link nationally or internationally
global area networks (GANs), combine all of the above with satellite mobile communications technologies.

Main duties include:

analysing and evaluating a client's network requirements
designing and testing proposals in line with those requirements
ensuring compatibility and interdependencies with other network features are met
supervising technical staff
implementing network security measures
planning preventative maintenance schedules
monitoring and reporting on network performance and usage
managing the growth and development of network systems.

Network managers work closely with other IT professionals and business managers to ensure systems work efficiently. See profiles for Network Engineer and Project Manager: IT.

Working Environment

Network managers normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. They may need to work outside of office hours when installing systems to minimise disruption to a client's service. They may be on call if breakdowns occur outside normal working hours.

Work is normally office-based, and may be at one site or, if involved in a large network operation, may involve travelling between sites.

Network Manager Related Skills

As a network manager, you should:

have excellent IT skills
possess strong analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
have good negotiating skills
have good communication and presentation skills
be decisive
be able to work within a team
be able to plan and prioritise effectively
have project management skills
be able to work under pressure and to deadlines
have an appreciation of the client's wider business demands
keep up-to-date with IT trends and developments
be able to work within budgetary constraints.

Network Manager Career Opportunities

Prospects are good, as any organisation which relies on IT systems to function will employ the services of network managers and engineers. There is a trend towards convergence of the IT and telecommunications sectors, so there will be opportunities within that area for networking professionals.

Network managers also work for companies that manufacture computers and associated equipment; others are employed by companies that specialise in the supply, installation and servicing of computer networks. It is possible to work abroad for a UK or an overseas company.

Options for progression include wider project management and strategic planning for information systems; business analysis and process improvement; and systems architecture and freelance consultancy.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Network Manager related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Network Manager? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Network Manager? Take a look at Training Network Manager courses, Postgraduate Network Manager courses, Undergraduate Network Manager courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.

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