IT Applications Managers oversee computer programs, manage staff, budget for updates, negotiate with vendors, and ensure disaster recovery plans. They require technical expertise and knowledge of the organization’s business needs.
An IT Applications Manager is responsible for one or more computer programs for an organization. Programs may include applications such as payroll systems, customer relationship management systems, or online stores. IT application managers typically oversee staffing, budgets, service levels, disaster recovery, and vendor relationships. This role may require an undergraduate degree in a related field and technical experience.
In this role, the application manager generally directs the work of application developers. He will typically have human resource management responsibilities such as hiring and firing, as well as conducting employee reviews. Those in this position also often help with training plans for people on the team. The manager must also ensure that staff are following any policies or procedures the organization has developed regarding the department’s work.
Along with managing staff, the IT Application Manager may need to budget for maintaining and updating applications. The manager can meet with app users regarding their needs, review industry trends, and recommend upgrades or replacements. Those in this position typically provide the technical staff needed to deploy, install, and test updates.
Tasks often include working with users of an application to determine their support needs and developing service level agreements. The manager must ensure that the department has the staff and resources to fulfill these agreements. In some organizations, the IT manager is expected to provide application support virtually around the clock and be on call seven days a week.
This team member is likely to be instrumental in determining required security levels and backing up certain applications. Disaster recovery is a critical concern for many organizations, especially with mission-critical applications. The IT Applications Manager may be involved in developing disaster recovery plans and conducting disaster recovery exercises.
Often, the IT application manager negotiates with vendors. Vendors may seek to provide applications or technical services. The manager can also work with vendors who are already providing applications and services to ensure they are meeting the terms of any contracts.
An applications manager position typically requires a high degree of technical expertise, along with knowledge of the organization’s business needs. Organizations may want people in this type of managerial position to have at least an undergraduate degree in an information technology oriented field and have experience in a technical role. The ability to communicate with people at varying levels in the organization and varying levels of technical expertise will help the IT Applications Manager succeed in this role.
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