The senior IT manager works with other senior members of the team to participate in strategic planning sessions.
The main responsibilities of a senior IT manager include: direct reporting oversight, budget and financial responsibilities, project management, and oversight of your portfolio. Senior information technology (IT) managers are found in many industries. The widespread implementation of information technology in almost all business organizations has created a need for dedicated IT staff. In large organizations, entire IT departments and management roles are often required to support business operations.
To become a senior IT manager, most employers require a minimum of 10 years of information technology management experience. In a large organization, it is not uncommon to have a hierarchical structure, with managers and senior managers. The senior manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations and implementing strategic plans.
Direct report supervision includes hiring decision making, performance reviews, and discipline. Due to the subject matter experience the senior IT manager is expected to have, they may need to create detailed job descriptions and create training programs for existing staff. As technology changes, the senior manager must stay up-to-date and ensure that employees are given the tools to keep their skills current.
Project management forms an important part of an information technology manager’s responsibilities. These tasks include defining specifications, creating project plans, working with business users, and setting a budget. While the actual responsibility for project management may be delegated to a junior manager, the senior IT manager must ensure that the project stays on track. He or she is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of a portfolio’s initiatives.
Setting the total project budget and managing divisional expenses is part of the responsibilities of this role. Most information technology managers have no accounting background and often complete budget management certification programs to fill this training gap. Effective budget management includes cutting expenses and increasing revenue whenever possible.
In addition to operational management, senior team members participate in strategic planning sessions, business reviews, and set the long-term direction of the organization. Part of this process includes keeping upper-level managers informed of the division’s progress and problems and the steps taken to resolve problems. The coordination of activities between divisions and other areas of the company is normally organized at this level.