What does a systems manager do?
A systems manager is responsible for monitoring the operations of the information technology department, evaluating staff performance, developing strategic procedures to maximize productivity, and identifying business opportunities that would generate more revenues and profitability for the company. Systems managers inspect company networks to ensure the efficiency of the technology systems, conducting regular diagnostic tests, and installing upgrades to boost optimization. A systems manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command in programming languages and system codes to maintain the security of the company's database.
Systems manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real systems manager resumes:
- Manage development teams which programme Java software applications to scan bar-code shipping labels and automate receipt and inventory processes.
- Manage AutoCAD upgrades and tools.
- Manage all aspects of PC and Macintosh technical support.
- Install and manage small office computer network system running AutoCAD.
- Define and manage execution of testing require for resolving FDA findings.
- Lead cross-organization team to align company structure to employee base in PeopleSoft.
- Perform system backups, software upgrades, VAX relate hardware adjustments, and troubleshot user problems.
- Experience in developing UNIX batch, shell and SQL scripts to facilitate application understanding and provide enhancements.
- Plan and manage implementation of a master music SQL database for intellectual property management.
- Add 3rd VAX DSSI node.
- Execute UAT test case scenarios.
- Coordinate the installation of a Novell NetWare network.
- Install Novell and Corvis networks using twisted-pair wiring.
- Install server and upgrade print queues to print via TCP/IP.
- Establish and negotiate the SLA between service providers and the business.
Systems manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Systems Managers are proficient in Customer Service, Project Management, and Patients. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Business skills, and Organizational skills.
We break down the percentage of Systems Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 12%
Trained and mentor Customer Service Representatives to ensure accurate knowledge of Access Manager and installation of Remote Deposit Capture.
- Project Management, 10%
Recognized by Diplomatic Security at the State Department for Outstanding Service and Dedication to the Project Management Engineering Group.
- Patients, 6%
Collaborated with other managers in creating a positive experience for surgical outcomes for providers and patients.
- Management System, 4%
Guide operations and engineering teams to achieve production improvement targets by using operations management systems and dynamic Lean Six Sigma applications.
- Data Entry, 4%
Designed and developed IMS programs to produce management reports and facilitate user interfacing for data entry.
- Client Facing, 4%
Oversee system administrators managing internal and client facing servers.
Common skills that a systems manager uses to do their job include "customer service," "project management," and "patients." You can find details on the most important systems manager responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a systems manager to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what systems managers do because "it managers must analyze problems and consider and select the best ways to solve them." Additionally, a systems manager resume shows how systems managers use analytical skills: "administered corporate databases and operating systems and provided application support in a manufacturing environment running large scale erp and cmms software. "
Business skills. Many systems manager duties rely on business skills. "it managers must develop and implement strategic plans to reach the goals of their organizations.," so a systems manager will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways systems manager responsibilities rely on business skills: "project manager for successful implementation of symix/syteline integrated erp manufacturing and business system. "
Organizational skills. This is an important skill for systems managers to perform their duties. For an example of how systems manager responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "some it managers must coordinate the work of several different it departments to make the organization run efficiently." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a systems manager: "delivered user training at all organizational levels. ".
Communication skills. For certain systems manager responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a systems manager rely on this skill, as "it managers must explain their work to top executives and give clear instructions to their subordinates." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what systems managers do: "managed four communication and technology teams supporting air education training command installations for sharepoint, vpn, and other centralized services. "
Leadership skills. Another crucial skill for a systems manager to carry out their responsibilities is "leadership skills." A big part of what systems managers relies on this skill, since "it managers must lead and motivate it teams or departments so that workers are efficient and effective." How this skill relates to systems manager duties can be seen in an example from a systems manager resume snippet: "acted as liaison between hr and the executive leadership for recruitment of sponsors for diversity and inclusion programs. "
The three companies that hire the most systems managers are:
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.80 systems managers jobs
- Accenture71 systems managers jobs
- Meta53 systems managers jobs
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Compare different systems managers
Systems manager vs. Information technology technical services manager
An information technology/technical services manager is responsible for supervising the operations of the information technology team, assisting the technical staff in providing efficient performance by improving technology systems and network infrastructure to support business functions. This job requires extensive knowledge of the technology industry, as well as an excellent command of programming and system processes to ensure smooth navigation and consistent transitions. An information technology/technical services manager also handles the development of new network systems according to business requirements and client specifications.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a systems manager are more likely to require skills like "patients," "management system," "data entry," and "client facing." On the other hand, a job as an information technology technical services manager requires skills like "itil," "service management," "itsm," and "service delivery." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information technology technical services managers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $124,604. Comparatively, systems managers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $116,351.The education levels that information technology technical services managers earn slightly differ from systems managers. In particular, information technology technical services managers are 3.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a systems manager. Additionally, they're 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems manager vs. Information technology support manager
Information technology support manager primarily supervises information technology support staff, oversees system and software maintenance, and repairs. They assist with computer equipment installation and purchasing and maintaining a secure network and connectivity for users. It is part of their role to coordinate training and development for new technology users. Another vital role is they monitor online security for users and networks and takes appropriate steps to address possible security breaches if necessary. Moreover, they also develop contingency plans to address any equipment, power, or possible security failure to ensure the protection of technology and data.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, systems manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "patients," "management system," "data entry," and "client facing." Meanwhile, an information technology support manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "itil," "desk support," "customer satisfaction," and "database." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, information technology support managers earn a lower salary than systems managers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, information technology support managers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $117,341. Whereas systems managers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $116,351.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Information technology support managers tend to reach similar levels of education than systems managers. In fact, they're 3.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems manager vs. Senior information technology manager
A senior information technology manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency and performance of the company's technology and network systems. Senior information technology managers oversee technology infrastructures and operations, ensuring the processes adhere to the company policies and regulations. They analyze the schematics and specifications of computer systems, maintaining the safety and security across all networks to prevent unauthorized access. A senior information technology manager must have extensive knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a strong command of programming languages.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a systems manager is likely to be skilled in "patients," "data entry," "troubleshoot," and "computer system," while a typical senior information technology manager is skilled in "cloud," "architecture," "strong problem-solving," and "sr."
Senior information technology managers earn the best pay in the professional industry, where they command an average salary of $143,891. Systems managers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $116,351.Most senior information technology managers achieve a higher degree level compared to systems managers. For example, they're 6.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Systems manager vs. Information technology operations manager
An Information Technology Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth running of the computer systems. They ensure the operation of computer systems in accordance with specifications, costs, and timelines.
Types of systems manager
Updated January 8, 2025
