According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an IT manager is generally responsible for the planning, coordinating and directing of technology activities and resources in an organization. However, an IT manager’s specific role and responsibilities depend on their company and industry.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing facilities need smooth running IT systems and problem free inventory, warehouse and production software programs. An IT manager in a manufacturing facility oversees technology operations and IT employees in different sites. For example, they may travel between shipping, production and inventory sites. These IT managers work closely with operations and maintenance managers to ensure consistent production because only a few minutes of downtime can cost thousands of dollars. IT managers create and propose projects designed to enhance processes, increase quality and streamline operations. They are the primary contact for all proprietary software and production machine vendors. IT managers in manufacturing facilities generally work outside the office collaborating with colleagues and supervising projects.

Law Firm

In contrast, an IT manager in a law firm will spend the majority of their time working in the office. They work with staff, attorneys and management to integrate technology into legal work procedures in order to increase work efficiency, data accuracy and customer satisfaction. They cooperate with upper management to develop monthly and annual strategic IT plans and objectives. They provide regular management-level status reports on IT activities, such as training initiatives and help desk metrics. In order to increase the overall delivery of quality legal services, they provide ongoing advice and education related to technology. They spend a good deal of time managing the IT infrastructure and application platforms, such as practice and case management software programs, according to the American Bar Association.

Health Care

An IT manager in a health care organization will work with administrators to deliver technology solutions for services such as hospital registration and claims applications. These IT managers must be equally competent with technical, managerial and health care responsibilities and administration. They are responsible for staffing, scheduling and performance management. They act as the liaison between IT staff, health care managers and executive leadership, to whom they provide progress reports and business forecasts. Health care IT managers also work closely with billing and claims staff who are in charge of revenue cycle management. They identify business and information system requirements and recommend appropriate processes and workflows.

Transportation

These IT manager will plan and direct computer-related transportation activities. They consult with top management to determine technical and business goals and make corresponding actionable plans. A transportation IT manager must have a strong understanding IT, operational and supply chain management concepts and principles. They perform typical duties such as directing the work of support specialists, reviewing systems design and coordinating hardware and software upgrades. They work closely with management personnel to streamline transportation and logistical functions and processes. For instance, they may help a warehouse manager troubleshoot a warehouse management system (WMS) issue or work with suppliers to upgrade their RFID technology.

Related Resource: Business Careers in e-Commerce

To review, an IT manager is a technically trained professional who oversees human, technology and equipment resources. IT managers generally have strong business, leadership and decision making skills.