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What is a senior implementation manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Todd Terry

The senior implementation manager of an organization is in charge of the development and implementation of new systems, technologies, and procedures. Their key responsibilities include planning implementation processes, conducting research to improve implementation strategies, creating detailed project plans, and maintaining an open line of communication between relevant departments.

Moreover, a senior implementation manager may also delegate tasks to subordinate employees, troubleshoot technical issues, provide technical support to staff, and create progress reports for upper management.

A great set of leadership skills and broad knowledge of what they are trying to implement are key qualifications for this role. But first, one must have at least a bachelor's degree in business, project management, or another related field to qualify. Moreover, an aspiring senior implementation manager must have at least three to four years of work experience, in general, which means one must start in a lower position. The average salary of a senior implementation manager is $116,000 per year, with top earners making as much as $150,000 annually.

What's a day at work look like for a senior implementation manager?

Todd TerryTodd Terry LinkedIn profile

Department Chair, Management, Davenport University

What once was well defined with working hours, an office space, coworkers being close by to develop relationships with seems to be misplaced during the current working environment. In the working situation we are in today, graduates will need to be flexible with working hours as work hours may not be defined and could change by day. Office space may mean that one is working remotely from home. Building of relationships with coworkers will be done using technology as coworkers may be located in many different areas or time zones.
In general business will continue to function remotely. The pandemic has created a sense of creativity in how business is done. The one major component the pandemic has created is where large and small businesses are conducting daily business functions from remote locations. This practice has proven that business can be effectively done without having to travel to distant locations. Consequently, business travel will be continue to be slow.
ScoreSenior Implementation ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.6

Avg. Salary $100,421

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 12.72%

Black or African American 6.55%

Hispanic or Latino 9.84%

Unknown 5.19%

White 65.50%

Gender

female 39.02%

male 60.98%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Senior implementation manager career paths

Key steps to become a senior implementation manager

  1. Explore senior implementation manager education requirements

    Most common senior implementation manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    72.7 %

    Master's

    15.3 %

    Associate

    7.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior implementation manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management9.59%
    Customer Service8.02%
    Project Scope7.37%
    Business Processes7.16%
    Healthcare6.40%
  3. Complete relevant senior implementation manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior implementation managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior implementation manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior implementation manager resumes.
  4. Research senior implementation manager duties and responsibilities

    • Lead migration of production systems to a manage, private cloud environment.
    • Project manage the implementation of a companywide custom ERP solution.
    • Manage multiple implementations for Vmware, Netapp, Symantec and Cisco products.
    • Approve and manage staff time sheets, payroll, security, logistics, and relevant job materials.
  5. Get senior implementation manager experience

    Generally, it takes 6-8 years to become a senior implementation manager. The most common roles before becoming a senior implementation manager include project manager, senior project manager team lead and implementation manager.
  6. Prepare your senior implementation manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior implementation manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior implementation manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior implementation manager resume templates

    Build a professional senior implementation manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior implementation manager resume.
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    Senior Implementation Manager Resume
    Senior Implementation Manager Resume
    Senior Implementation Manager Resume
    Senior Implementation Manager Resume
    Senior Implementation Manager Resume
  7. Apply for senior implementation manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior implementation manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior implementation manager job

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Average senior implementation manager salary

The average senior implementation manager salary in the United States is $100,421 per year or $48 per hour. Senior implementation manager salaries range between $74,000 and $135,000 per year.

Average senior implementation manager salary
$100,421 Yearly
$48.28 hourly

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Senior implementation manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

I love managing teams and taking the challenge


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Cons

My company wants us to fill both roles without actually compensating us for filling both roles


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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