IT network manager job description.
Planning to hire an IT network manager or lead a technical team yourself? This IT network manager job description outlines duties in network planning, managing uptime, leading engineers, and vendor relationships. It also highlights the skills required and what you can expect to earn.
What does an IT network manager do?
An IT network manager leads a team of network engineers and administrators to ensure that business-critical systems remain secure and connected. They oversee day-to-day operations, plan for network upgrades, and handle escalations or incidents.
Core responsibilities include managing network performance, reviewing vendor contracts, guiding architecture decisions, and ensuring compliance with regulatory or security standards. They also report on uptime, performance KPIs, and incident response times.
In smaller companies, they may combine management with hands-on engineering. In larger businesses, they focus on strategic planning, people leadership, and aligning the network roadmap with business needs.
Key responsibilities of an IT network manager.
Network managers oversee teams and operations that ensure connectivity across the business. Their responsibilities often include:
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Leading the design, maintenance, and monitoring of business-wide networks
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Managing a team of network engineers and analysts
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Defining network architecture standards, policies, and procedures
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Overseeing implementation of firewalls, switches, wireless, and cloud networking
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Ensuring network security through segmentation, access control, and patching
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Managing SLAs, incident escalations, and service provider relationships
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Planning and budgeting for network upgrades and infrastructure projects
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Collaborating with IT leadership on infrastructure strategy
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Monitoring KPIs such as uptime, latency, and response time
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Leading major projects like SD-WAN rollouts or global connectivity improvements
This role combines people leadership, network strategy, and performance management.
Skills and requirements for an IT network manager.
Network managers oversee team operations, system design, and performance. Employers typically look for:
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6–10 years of experience in networking and infrastructure
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Experience leading technical teams and network projects
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Strong knowledge of enterprise networking architecture
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Confidence managing third-party providers and internal support
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Skilled in network monitoring, performance analysis, and documentation
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Familiarity with firewall configuration, VoIP, and network security
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Ability to plan upgrades, new installs, and capacity scaling
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Strong budget, vendor, and SLA management skills
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Effective cross-team communication and escalation handling
Most network managers ensure reliable connectivity and report to senior IT leaders.
Average salary for an IT network manager.
In the UK, the average salary for an IT network manager typically ranges from £55,000 to £75,000, depending on team size, architecture leadership, and security policies.
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Mid-level managers earn between £55,000 and £65,000
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Senior managers with oversight of global networks or hybrid systems can earn between £66,000 and £75,000
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Strategic planning, supplier management, and DR infrastructure influence pay scales
Top salaries are found in regulated industries, banking, and national infrastructure projects.
Career progression for an IT network manager.
An IT network manager is responsible for the operational performance, security, and scalability of an organisation’s network. This leadership role often progresses into architecture or infrastructure directorship. A typical path includes:
Network engineer / Systems admin
Supports network setup and troubleshooting. Assists with deployments and patching.
Senior network engineer
Leads network design and monitoring. Handles vendor configuration and traffic optimisation.
IT network manager
Leads network teams and oversees SLAs, infrastructure upgrades, and cross-departmental delivery.
Head of IT / Infrastructure director
Owns enterprise infrastructure, cross-region networks, and integration projects.
CTO / Enterprise architecture lead
Transitions into executive leadership, managing network transformation across global operations.
salary guide
Our UK IT salary guide.
Network managers lead network infrastructure planning, performance, and uptime. Compensation should reflect their responsibility across network architecture and team oversight.
Use our UK IT salary guide to benchmark manager-level roles, review 2024 changes, and support long-term hiring plans.
FAQS
IT network manager FAQs.
They oversee the network estate — managing upgrades, maintenance windows, security policies, and a team of engineers or technicians. Their remit includes vendor relationships, connectivity planning, and performance oversight.
It sits at the mid-to-senior level, reporting to the head of infrastructure or IT director. network managers usually balance hands-on responsibilities with budget, team oversight, and longer-term planning.
Network managers focus specifically on data, voice, and remote connectivity. Heads of infrastructure oversee servers, cloud, networking, and often security — with broader business accountability.
Typically 5–10 years in networking roles, plus experience managing change control, compliance standards, and large network upgrades. Multi-vendor and multi-site experience is especially valued.
Progression could include head of networks, infrastructure director, or moving into a specialist role in SD-WAN, cloud networking, or network security architecture.
