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Network manager

Network managers help design, install and run an organisation's IT, data and telephone systems.

Annual Salary

£30,000 to £70,000

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

37 to 39 a week

You could work: evenings; occasionally

2.4%
Future employment

There will be 2.4% more Network manager jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

As a network manager, you could:

  • design, test and install computer networks to meet clients' needs
  • put network security measures in place
  • plan back up and recovery systems
  • monitor, improve and report on network performance and usage
  • identify problems and fix them
  • manage a team of technical staff and relationships with suppliers

Working environment

You could work in an office.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • training with a private provider
University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree before applying for a job as a trainee network manager.

Relevant subjects include:

  • computer networking
  • network engineering
  • computer science
  • cyber security and networks

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
For more information
Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Network Engineer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Digital Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship - networking option

You could enrol on a Digital Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Postgraduate Apprenticeship, with a networking option, if you already have a relevant degree.

These apprenticeships can take up to 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
For more information
Work

You could move into network management if you have relevant computing experience.

For example from working as a:

  • network engineer
  • senior IT support technician
  • IT delivery manager

Other routes

You might be able to get an industry recognised certificate, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+, through a private training provider. This may help you to find a trainee position with a company.

You'll normally need a good level of technical ability to complete these certificates.

More information

Career tips

There are many private IT training providers out there. If you choose this route, do your research to make sure it's the right option for you.

Further information

You can find out more about computing careers and training through The Chartered Institute for IT and techskills.

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You'll need to keep your skills up to date, for example in mobile and 'cloud' technologies. You can do this through training and industry certifications.

With experience, you could move into:wider IT project management; service planning and delivery; information security; business analysis; freelance consultancy

The Tech Partnership has more information about careers in IT.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • customer service skills
  • persistence and determination
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
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