ICT manager
Description
The ICT manager will ensure the smooth operation of the ICT department in alignment with the business objectives of the organisation. The ICT manager will plan, direct, coordinate and design ICT-related activities, as well as provide administrative direction and support for daily operational activities of the ICT department.
The ICT manager will take an authoritative, pro-active approach in dealing with external vendors and outsourced development staff. The role will manage and balance the expectations of the business within the framework of staff and resource limitations. The ICT manager will keep abreast of latest technologies that may be of benefit to the organisation and make requisite recommendations, supported by documentation, costing etc and present to business.
The ICT manager will provide leadership to ICT operations and infrastructure ensuring that an appropriate technical support framework is in place, including the management and delivery of service support and service delivery.
The ICT manager will work closely with decision makers in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions. As well as these responsibilities that ICT manager will define and implement ICT policies, procedures, and best practices.
An ICT manager exhibits a combination of capabilities from the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) and from the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
SFIA profile
Within the SFIA profile, the ICT manager has level 5 and 6 capabilities, i.e. ensures and advises on the skills outlined and initiates and influences their use. The SFIA profile is outlined below.
Refer to the framework for descriptions of the seven levels of responsibility and accountability.
| SFIA skill code | SFIA skill level of responsibility | SFIA skills level descriptor |
|---|---|---|---|
Consultancy | CNSL | 5 | Takes responsibility for understanding client requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis and problem resolution. Identifies, evaluates and recommends options, implementing if required. Collaborates with, and facilitates stakeholder groups, as part of formal or informal consultancy agreements. Seeks to fully address client needs, enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of client personnel, by ensuring that proposed solutions are properly understood and appropriately exploited. |
IT management | ITMG | 6 | Identifies and manages resources needed for the planning, development and delivery of specified information and communications systems services (including storage, modification and communication of data, voice, text, audio and images). Engages with and influences senior level stakeholders and project teams through change management processes, ensuring that the infrastructure is managed to provide agreed levels of service and data integrity. Takes full responsibility for budgeting, estimating, planning and objective setting. Plans and manages implementation of processes and procedures, tools and techniques for monitoring and managing the performance of automated systems and services. Aligns the contribution of systems and services to clearly stated business and financial goals and performance targets. Monitors performance and takes corrective action where necessary and in line with policies. Develops new methods and organisational capabilities (including automation) for the management of systems and services. |
Contract management | ITCM | 6 | Negotiates and resolves contractual issues, including failure to meet contractual obligations. Promotes change control processes and leads variation negotiations when necessary. Champions continuous improvement programmes, jointly developing strategies and incentives to enhance performance. Undertakes comprehensive financial evaluations. Ensures non-discriminatory behaviour and legal compliance. Ensures that lessons learned from reviews are documented and promoted with all stakeholders. Develops broad industry/ category credentials as best practice champion. |
Supplier management | SUPP | 6 | Develops organisational policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure effective supplier management across the integrated supply chain. Defines the approach for commercial communications, and the management and maintenance of the relationship between the organisation and suppliers. Creates an environment in which the organisation and its suppliers collaborate to their mutual benefit, ensuring positive and effective working relationships are developed and maintained across the supply chain. Ensures that resources and tools are in place to conduct bench-marking. Reviews supplier analysis and assesses effectiveness across the supply chain. Assures that the quality of the services delivered by suppliers meet contractual commitments and business needs. Manages risks associated with information security, continuity and integrity of supply. |
SFIA skillLeadership skills
Leadership competencies for Queensland describes what highly effective, everyday leadership looks like in the sector. In simple, action-oriented language, it provides a common understanding of the foundations for success across all roles. The profile describes three performance dimensions (vision, results and accountability) and 11 leadership competencies required against five leadership streams.
Leadership streams are not connected to a level or classification, but rather reflect the balance between leadership and technical skills required of an individual. Individuals can consider the value proposition of roles rather than the traditional lens of hierarchical structures or classification levels. The five leadership streams are:
- Individual contributor (Leads self and does not supervise others)
- Team leader (leads a team and typically reports to a program leader)
- Program leader (leads team leaders and/or multiple areas of work)
- Executive (leads program leaders or other executives)
- Chief executive (leads the organisation).
When developing a role description, identify the role type and then focus on the most important attributes and create a balance between SFIA skills and leadership skills.
Entry points
To have a career such as an ICT manager, a bachelor level degree in areas such as information technology, information systems or business is required.
Learning and development
Formal training and on-the-job experience are important ways to improve and develop the required skills.