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Information technology directors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the work and resources necessary to provide and operate IT infrastructure and services, including networks, devices, servers and software that runs on the infrastructure within an organisation. IT programme managers and directors direct and provide technical oversight to particular IT programmes of a discrete duration and/or budget.

Main tasks

  • Plans, directs, reviews and provides technical oversight to IT programmes, involving the co-ordination of multiple IT projects.
  • Works with client or senior management to establish and clarify the aims, objectives and requirements of an IT programme.
  • Ensures that new technologies are researched and evaluated in the light of the organisation’s broad requirements.
  • Prioritises and schedules major IT projects.
  • Considers the required IT staffing levels, oversees recruitment and appointment of staff and directs training policy.
  • Develops the periodic business plan and operational budget for IT to deliver agreed service levels.
  • Directs the implementation within the organisation of IT strategy, infrastructure, procurement, procedures and standards.
  • Develops in consultation with other senior management the IT strategy of the organisation.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£162,190.55

Average earnings

£76,266.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 2%
Level 1 1%
Level 2 8%
Level 3 16%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 8%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 43%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 20%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 3%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.