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Traffic managers oversee workflow in various industries, from transportation to advertising and computer science. Requirements vary, but may include a college degree and relevant experience. They anticipate needs, consider infrastructure improvements, and coordinate work with department heads.
Many very different jobs come with the title “traffic manager”, from careers in media to those in system administration. As a general rule, all of these positions require workflow management, whether it’s moving vehicle traffic, assigning jobs at an advertising agency, or another type of workflow. Employment requirements may depend on the job and industry, and may include having a college degree and relevant experience, although some companies will accept applicants for on-the-job training.
In public works, shipping and related fields, a traffic manager controls the flow of traffic for trains, cars, boats, buses, ships and other vehicles. This person typically handles traffic at a location such as an airport, city or port and may supervise other employees. In addition to monitoring traffic and anticipating needs, the traffic manager also considers necessary infrastructure improvement and maintenance, such as filling potholes.
In workplaces such as advertising agencies and television stations, the traffic manager controls the workflow to ensure everyone is working efficiently and working on the right projects. In an advertising agency, this might involve determining a release schedule and scheduling appropriate employees. For television production, the traffic manager considers production needs, advertising placement, and other factors that may play a role in the organizational workflow. This person works with the heads of various departments to coordinate their work and keep it functional.
Traffic managers also work in computer science and systems administration. Although automated programs to control and assign network traffic are available, sometimes a human supervisor is required. This person can redirect traffic to resolve issues such as compromised servers, a sudden flood of traffic, or a problem at another facility that is slowing down traffic. In addition to reacting to crises, the traffic manager can also plan for events that might disrupt traffic, such as a new product release.
Proper preparation for a career as a traffic manager can depend on the industry. For systems administration, for example, it is critical that a candidate has a degree in computer science and it may be helpful for them to have additional professional certifications. A traffic manager at a television station or advertising agency, on the other hand, might learn the skills on the job, starting as an administrative assistant providing support to a supervisor. Many of these fields require good communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to look holistically at a web of information without getting distracted by small details.
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