An organization’s IT applications manager is in charge of one or more computer programs. Applications such as payroll systems, customer relationship management systems, and online stores may be included in the programs. Staff, budgets, service levels, disaster recovery, and vendor relations are all things that IT application managers are responsible for. An undergraduate degree in a related field and technical experience may be required for this position.
The application manager usually supervises the work of application developers in this position. He or she will most likely be in charge of human resource management, including hiring and firing as well as conducting employee reviews. In most cases, those in this position also assist with staff training plans. The manager should also make sure that the staff is adhering to any policies or procedures that the company has established for the department’s work.
Along with managing staff, the IT applications manager may require funding for application maintenance and upgrades. The manager may meet with the app’s users to discuss their requirements, review industry trends, and suggest upgrades or replacements. Those in this position are usually responsible for providing the necessary technical personnel to implement, install, and test the upgrades.
Working with an application’s users to determine their support needs and develop service level agreements are common responsibilities. The manager must then ensure that the department has the personnel and resources necessary to fulfill those commitments. In some companies, the IT manager is expected to provide application support at all times, and is frequently on call seven days a week.
This employee is also likely to play a role in determining the security and backup requirements for specific applications. Many organizations, especially those with mission-critical applications, are concerned about disaster recovery. The IT applications manager may be involved in the creation of disaster recovery plans as well as disaster recovery drills.
The IT applications manager will frequently negotiate with vendors. Vendors may offer applications or technical assistance. The manager may also work with vendors who already provide applications and services to ensure that they are adhering to the terms of any contracts.
A position as an applications manager typically necessitates a high level of technical knowledge as well as an understanding of the organization’s business needs. People in this type of managerial position may be required to have at least an undergraduate degree in an information technology-related field, as well as technical experience. The IT applications manager’s ability to communicate with people at all levels of the organization and with varying levels of technical knowledge will aid in his or her success in this position.