Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

The Work

IT managers need a very broad knowledge of different IT systems, they keep up-to-date with advances in information technology.  
 
The IT manager has to make sure that the company has all the right equipment it needs in order to be as efficient as possible. They are likely to be in charge of a budget, spending money wisely to bring the most appropriate technology into the company. They work closely with equipment suppliers, negotiating the sale and any aftersales services, such as technical support in case there are any faults with the equipment.  
 
As well as buying new systems, IT managers keep a close watch on the technology the company already has. They think about the company's needs, and identify areas where new technology could support people's work. They may ask a systems analyst to visit the company to do an in-depth study of the existing technology and come up with suggestions to improve the situation.  
 
Information technology managers work as closely with people as they do with machines. They make sure people are properly trained and supported in their use of IT; they may ask a computer trainer to visit the company to teach people how to use a specific system or software product.  
 
Managers are responsible for setting quality standards, and for making sure people complete their work within deadlines and budget limitations.  
 
They are also responsible for the accuracy and security of data within the organisation. A strict data protection law controls the use and security of information held on databases; it's up to the manager to make sure only authorised people can look at the data. Also, members of the public have the right to access information about them on a company's database, so managers may have to negotiate this access with them.  
 
IT managers must be able to cope quickly and efficiently if there are any problems with the company's computer systems. They must set up back-up systems to make sure no data is lost if there is a fault.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Direct daily operations of department, analysing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
• Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
• Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
• Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
• Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
• Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.
• Recruit, hire, train and supervise staff, or participate in staffing decisions.
• Stay abreast of advances in technology.
• Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements.
• Develop and interpret organisational goals, policies, and procedures.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Most information technology managers are graduates in a discipline related to computers.  Few enter this job straight after graduation. Most people first gain experience in other IT careers, especially systems analysis (because this job involves working closely with people and using management skills), or systems programming with some management or supervisory responsibilities.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: ICT Systems, Tech Support Engineer, IT Network Security, IT Support Specialist, General Management & project management Prince-2/ scrum master in centres around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Cloud Computing, Cloud Computing with coding, Computer Applications and Mobile Technologies, ICT and Networking (Pre-Apprenticeship) at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: ICT: Cybersecurity, Network Engineer, Software Developer, Software Solutions Architect
NFQ level 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry Computing, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, STEM related area (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) courses at NFQ level 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options cloud computing. MBA Cloud computing, Security, Computer infrastructure, Cloud technologies, ICT Managment. 

Digital Skillnet 

Springboardcourses

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €60k - €110k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / CPL / Sigmar/ Collins McNicholas/ Azon / Lincoln

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period was strong, with employment levels growing annually since 2018. Those employed were primarily male (70%), working full-time (97%) and the share of non-Irish citizens at 19% was in line with the national average.

The number of employment permits issued grew from 359 in 2021 to 974 in 2022; although the majority were for the ICT sector, they also spanned a range of other sectors, with roles including IT project/program manager and technical lead. Vacancies for IT project managers were identified in the Recruitment Agency Survey and by employers (Spotlight on Skills and Skills for Growth) as being difficult to fill. While demand may be slowing, shortages persist for this occupation.

• ICS - The Society for Chartered IT Professionals in Ireland

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 237 7788
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Technology Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here