How to Be IT Operations Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 16, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The IT Operations Manager is the person responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organizations IT systems and ensuring they are running smoothly. They must ensure that all IT systems and processes are functioning in accordance with organizational policies and procedures, and that they are secure, reliable, and efficient. Failure to do so can have a serious impact on an organizations bottom line, leading to diminished customer service, reduced productivity, and financial losses.

The IT Operations Manager must be able to identify problems quickly and take corrective action, utilizing their team of IT professionals to develop innovative solutions for any IT-related issue. By providing a stable platform for the organizations IT systems, the IT Operations Manager helps to ensure the continued success of the business.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require IT operations managers to have a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. Possible majors include computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a similar field.
Gain Professional Experience. Most employers require IT operations managers to have several years of professional experience in their field. Working as an IT specialist, network administrator, or systems analyst can provide the necessary experience.
Consider Earning Certifications. Although certifications may not be required, they can be beneficial in helping to secure a job as an IT operations manager. Different certifications can be earned depending on the specific job duties and responsibilities of the position being sought.
Obtain Management Experience. Many employers prefer for IT operations managers to have some management experience. Taking on managerial roles as an IT specialist or network administrator can help to provide this experience.
Consider earning an Advanced Degree. Earning an advanced degree such as a master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field can help to increase the chances of becoming an IT operations manager.

The Operations Manager of an IT organization is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of their systems and technology. To stay updated and qualified, they must remain on top of the latest technology trends and industry best practices. This requires staying informed through reading technical publications, attending conferences, and actively networking with peers in the field.

they must invest in ongoing education and training to ensure their skills and knowledge remain up to date. By engaging in these activities, Operations Managers can ensure their staff are well-versed in the latest technologies, processes, and procedures, as well as stay ahead of the competition and maximize their operations efficiency.

You may want to check Field Operations Manager, Logistics Operations Manager, and Supply Chain Operations Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Manage day-to-day IT operations, including monitoring of IT systems and networks, resolving technical issues, and performing maintenance and upgrades.
Develop, implement, and maintain IT policies, procedures, and best practices.
Monitor system performance and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Coordinate with vendors for procurement of hardware and software.
Oversee IT staff, including hiring, training, and development.
Manage IT budgets and track expenses.
Provide guidance on IT strategy and investments.
Facilitate communications between IT staff and other departments.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
Stay up to date with technology trends and industry developments.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Technical knowledge: IT operations managers should have a comprehensive understanding of IT systems, network architectures, and software applications.
Project Management: IT operations managers should be able to effectively plan, organize, and manage complex IT projects.
Problem-Solving: IT operations managers should be able to diagnose problems, develop solutions, and coordinate resources to resolve issues.
Communication Skills: IT operations managers must be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, both internal and external to the organization.
Leadership: IT operations managers should have strong leadership skills and be able to inspire, motivate, and guide their teams.
Organizational Skills: IT operations managers must be able to manage their time effectively and ensure tasks are completed in an efficient and timely manner.
Strategic Thinking: IT operations managers should have the capacity to think strategically and understand the long-term implications of decisions and actions.
Negotiation: IT operations managers must be able to negotiate with vendors and partners in order to obtain the best deals for the organization.
Risk Management: IT operations managers should be able to identify potential risks and develop strategies to minimize those risks.
Financial Acumen: IT operations managers should have a good understanding of financial concepts, such as budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.

An IT Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring that an organizations day-to-day information technology operations run smoothly and efficiently. A successful IT Operations Manager must possess a variety of skills to ensure that the organizations IT infrastructure is properly maintained, secured, and readily available. The most important skill for an IT Operations Manager to have is strong technical knowledge in a wide range of areas such as network infrastructure, cloud computing, data storage, application development, and system security.

the IT Operations Manager should also possess excellent problem-solving skills, be able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and have the ability to effectively manage teams of IT professionals. Furthermore, great communication skills are essential for IT Operations Managers in order to work effectively with other departments and stakeholders. By having strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, the ability to manage teams, and excellent communication skills, an IT Operations Manager can effectively ensure that the organizations IT operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Operations Clerk, Network Operations Manager, and Manufacturing Operations Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have managing IT operations and technology infrastructure?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in IT operations?
What processes and systems have you implemented to ensure the reliability and security of IT operations?
What challenges have you encountered in running IT operations, and how did you overcome them?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines?
Describe a time when you had to collaborate with multiple teams to resolve an IT issue.
What methods do you use to measure the performance of IT operations teams?
What experience do you have with budgeting and cost management in IT operations?
How do you ensure that IT operations are compliant with all relevant laws and regulations?
How do you handle difficult conversations with stakeholders when changes need to be made in IT operations?

Common Tools in Industry

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). A remote access protocol that allows a user to securely connect to a remote computer and interact with it as if they were sitting directly at the machine. (e. g. Microsoft Remote Desktop or TeamViewer)
Network Monitoring Software. Software that monitors the performance and security of networks, including hardware and software components, data traffic, and user activities. (e. g. SolarWinds Network Performance Monitor)
Help Desk Software. Software that assists IT teams with managing inquiries and requests, such as resetting passwords, configuring new systems, and more. (e. g. Freshdesk or Zendesk)
Server Management Software. Software that helps IT teams configure, monitor, and manage servers and the applications running on them. (e. g. Puppet or Chef)
Configuration Management Software. Software that helps IT teams track and manage changes to their IT environment, including system configurations and software deployments. (e. g. Ansible or SaltStack)
Backup and Recovery Software. Software that provides automated backup and recovery processes to ensure data is recovered quickly in the event of an outage or disaster. (e. g. Acronis or Veritas NetBackup)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
British Computer Society (BCS)
Cloud Security Alliance (CSA)
Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2)
International Systems Security Association (ISSA)
Open Group IT Architecture Forum
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA)

We also have Operations Engineer, Operations Director, and Operations Research Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Capacity Planning. The process of determining the amount of computing resources necessary to meet business requirements.
Data Center. A facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.
Disaster Recovery. The process of restoring IT systems and data in the event of a natural disaster or catastrophe.
Network Security. The practice of protecting networks and data from unauthorized access, malicious attacks, and other security threats.
Patch Management. The process of identifying, testing, and installing software patches to enhance system security and stability.
Service Level Agreement (SLA). A contract between an IT provider and customer that outlines the services the provider will deliver, along with the associated availability and quality standards.
System Administration. The process of managing and maintaining IT systems, including hardware and software configuration, security, and user access.
Virtualization. The process of creating a virtual version of a physical device or system, such as a server or operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IT Operations Manager?

An IT Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of IT systems and services, including overseeing staff, managing budgets, and ensuring operational processes are efficient and effective.

What skills does an IT Operations Manager need?

An IT Operations Manager needs strong technical knowledge and expertise, excellent communication and problem solving skills, and the ability to manage teams and resources effectively.

What is the average salary for an IT Operations Manager?

The average salary for an IT Operations Manager in the United States is $90,000 per year.

What type of organizations need an IT Operations Manager?

Any organization that relies on technology and IT systems, such as banks, hospitals, universities, and other large businesses, can benefit from having an IT Operations Manager.

What are some of the duties of an IT Operations Manager?

An IT Operations Manager's duties include monitoring and maintaining IT systems, developing strategies to improve system performance, managing budgets and resources, supervising staff, and implementing security protocols.