IT Manager

Oversee IT department operations. Manage IT staff, budgets, strategy, and ensure technology supports business goals and delivers value.

Career Cluster: Business & Management

What you need to know

Overview

IT Managers lead technology departments, overseeing IT operations, staff, and strategic direction. They manage budgets, develop IT strategy, ensure business-technology alignment, and lead teams delivering technology services. This senior role requires both technical expertise and strong leadership capabilities.

Every sizable Irish organization needs IT management to coordinate technology operations. The role offers excellent career progression toward CIO/CTO positions and significant organizational impact.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and develop IT teams
  • Develop IT strategy
  • Manage IT budgets
  • Oversee IT operations
  • Ensure system reliability
  • Manage vendor relationships
  • Drive technology initiatives
  • Report to senior leadership
  • Ensure cybersecurity
  • Align IT with business objectives

What skills are needed?

Leadership

  • • Team management and development
  • • Strategic thinking
  • • Change leadership
  • • Coaching and mentoring
  • • Decision making

Technical Knowledge

  • • IT infrastructure
  • • System architecture
  • • Cybersecurity
  • • Cloud technologies
  • • Emerging technologies

Business Skills

  • • Budget management
  • • Vendor negotiation
  • • Business alignment
  • • Communication
  • • Risk management

What is the pay?

Average Salary in Ireland

€45,000 - €80,000

IT managers in small-medium organizations earn €45,000-€60,000, mid-sized company managers earn €62,000-€75,000, while senior IT managers at large organizations command €78,000-€95,000. CIO/CTO roles offer €100,000-€150,000+.

Senior leadership compensation with strong benefits. Packages include performance bonuses (15-25%), health insurance, pension contributions, company car allowances, professional development, and clear progression to executive technology leadership (CIO/CTO).

What is the career outlook?

Job Growth

Consistent demand for experienced IT managers. Approximately 400-500 IT management positions advertised annually in Ireland. Senior role with stable employment.

Why the growth?

  • • Growing IT complexity
  • • Digital transformation leadership needs
  • • Cybersecurity governance
  • • Strategic technology alignment
  • • Cloud and infrastructure modernization
  • • IT team expansion

What education is required?

Educational Pathways

Technical Degree + Experience

Level 8 degree in Computer Science or IT plus 5-8 years progressive experience in IT roles. Technical foundation essential for credibility.

MBA or Business Qualifications

MBA or executive leadership programs enhance business skills. Many Irish IT managers pursue these for career progression to CIO level.

Leadership Development

Progression through technical roles (developer, analyst, administrator) to team lead, then management. Leadership experience crucial.

Key Competencies

  • • Strategic IT planning
  • • Team leadership and development
  • • Budget and financial management
  • • Vendor and contract management
  • • IT governance and compliance
  • • Change management
  • • Business-IT alignment
  • • Risk management
  • • Executive communication
  • • Technology trend awareness

Ready to Lead IT Operations?

Explore resources for IT management careers.

EdUTec Careers
itag - Irish Technology Association Galway
itag 25 Years Celebration
itag Skillnet Ireland
Atlantic Technological University
University of Galway