Documentation managers oversee teams of technical writers and communicators, managing budgets and ensuring quality work. They may also develop training plans, assign work, and create technical communications. A related degree and strong communication skills are helpful for this career.
Documentation managers are often responsible for teams of specialists as they create technical documentation. Managers may be responsible for departmental budgets and the quality of work produced. An understanding of technology, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work with others are useful for someone interested in a documentation management career.
These managers often lead teams of technical writers and other technical communicators. A documentation manager may have responsibility for hiring and firing and evaluating the performance of team members. In addition, the manager can assign work to his team of documentation specialists and develop training plans to help them improve their skills.
Other tasks that can fall to the documentation manager include developing a budget and managing it. This can involve balancing the amount of time team members are given to work on a project and the level of quality required. The manager can help develop processes, procedures, and quality standards for his team. In some organizations, the documentation manager may also help with the creation of technical communications, such as printed training manuals, online help, and technical specifications.
This field usually relies heavily on technology. The documentation manager may need to spend time learning about trends affecting his organization’s industry and his team’s tools and procedures. Not all trends, however, will be technical. For example, an increase in an area’s immigrant population may mean that documentation must be made available in multiple languages, rather than just one.
Any organization that produces technical documentation that needs to be created, distributed, and tracked can employ documentation managers. Some examples of these types of organizations include software development and utility companies. Other organizations that may hire these types of managers are manufacturers of industrial, chemical or technical products.
A four-year degree in a related field, such as communications or technical writing, can be helpful for someone interested in becoming a documentation manager. Writing skills are often essential, and basic graphic design skills can come in handy. The potential manager might start his career as a writer or technical communicator. As she gains skills and experience, she may apply for management positions.
Some traits that are useful for looking for documentation manager jobs include attention to detail and excellent written and oral communication skills. The manager must be able to quickly grasp technical concepts and translate them in a way that non-technical audiences can understand. She must be able to work effectively with her team and other employees. The manager may need to negotiate with his peers about his subordinates’ assistance in designing projects as subject matter experts (SMEs).
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