Network Systems Manager

Network Systems Managers are responsible for monitoring and overseeing the daily performance of their organization's network and systems administration technical teams. Employees in this position ensure efficient network performance, troubleshoot issues with network and/or system components (e.g., routers, computer peripherals, hardware, software), assesses the current and future network needs of the organization, communicates with upper management (e.g., Department heads) regarding network-related issues, and manages large-scale division projects (e.g., software development, hardware installation, network upgrades).

As supervisors of subordinate personnel, Network Systems Managers assign and review work, administer performance appraisals, provide work-related feedback, and make recommendations for disciplinary action when needed. Network Systems Managers work almost exclusively indoors in office settings using standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, copier).

• Diagnoses and troubleshoots hardware, software, or other network and system components (e.g., routers, switches, or other computer peripherals) using network troubleshooting tools (e.g., Ping, ICMP, Trace route, Ipconfig) in order to resolve connectivity and performance issues.
• Oversees the upgrades to the jurisdiction’s network applications, operating systems, and network equipment by monitoring network performance, providing backup solutions, assessing network security, and facilitating the implementation of new network systems in order to ensure proper network functionality after integration with existing information technology system.
• Administers the jurisdiction’s network applications, operating systems, and network equipment by reviewing, monitoring, and testing networking components to ensure the most efficient performance of the network and to make recommendations for needed hardware or software changes.
• Determines organization's or department’s networking needs, requirements, options, and solutions through interviews, observations, analysis, and research in order to ensure efficient workflow and processes.
• Responsible for ensuring all aspects of the datacenter operations including, servers: virtual and physical, data storage systems, datacenter backup and recovery system, and all other support systems are operational in a 24/7 environment.
• Manages division projects (e.g., software development, hardware installations, network upgrades, virtualization rollouts, business analytics, and data management) by laying out project planning, execution, monitoring, and completion in order to mitigate technical system/application issues.
• Coordinates with upper management and Department Heads to identify needs of the unit, assist in establishing and maintaining a budget, and coordinate efforts to procure needed supplies, equipment, and resources.
• Prepares requests for proposals and bid specifications for the jurisdiction or department(s) by reviewing current network and systems infrastructure, network and infrastructure needs, and budget information in order to obtain bids from vendors for networking services, products, or support.
• Supervises staff by assigning and distributing work, directing staff in their job duties, monitoring progress of work, providing feedback and/or training.
• Reviews contracts and bids from vendors by comparing the services, products, and support offered to the specified needs outlined in the request for proposals and bid specifications in order to make a recommendation to the IT Director.
• Remains abreast of management and leadership principles and hardware and software industry trends in current and future capacities.