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Network manager

Alternative titles for this job include Network administrator, IT manager

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£70,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a network manager

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 and security
  • networks and communications systems
  • computer science
  • digital communications 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could complete a network engineer higher apprenticeship or a digital technology solutions degree apprenticeship.

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

More Information

Work

You could move into network management if you have relevant experience. For example, working as a network engineer, senior IT support technician or IT manager.

Other Routes

You may be able to get an industry recognised certificate like Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or CompTIA Network+ through a private training provider.

You normally need to work in IT or have a high level of technical ability to get one of these certificates.

More Information

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • assess a client's computing requirements
  • design and test network plans to meet your client's needs
  • put in place network security measures
  • plan back up and recovery systems
  • monitor and report on network performance and usage
  • identify problems and then fix them
  • manage other staff

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

You could move into:

  • project and information management
  • service planning and delivery
  • information security
  • business analysis
  • freelance consultancy

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Degree Apprentice Software Engineer

  • Wage: £15,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Brunel Way Catcliffe, Rotherham, South Yorkshire

Digital and Technology Graduate Apprentice

  • Wage: £29,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Unit 7 SEGRO Logistics Park, Derby

Courses In England

Beginners Computer Science and IT 1 Yr

  • Provider: WEST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: Mansfield

Level 2 Computer Networking and Systems Support

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 04 September 2023
  • Location: NORTHAMPTON

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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