What Is a Technical Services Manager?
Technical services managers oversee technical departments within businesses to make sure all equipment is working properly. They direct general maintenance repairs and upgrades of technical equipment, as well as supervise major manufacturing projects. Technical services managers are the leaders of technical staff members, and are responsible for training, evaluating and ensuring the safety of technical specialists. Technical services managers can work in a number of different fields, including manufacturing, industrial technology and e-Commerce.
Depending on their employer and field of work, technical services managers may work in an office, an industrial setting or in the field. They may be exposed to certain hazards and dangers while on the job, but proper training and safety precautions are enforced to prevent such risks. Technical services managers generally work 40-hour weeks, but it is not uncommon for them to work overtime during deadlines.
How to Become a Technical Services Manager
In order to become a technical services manager, you’ll need to have certain academic and professional skills before you can take on this management position. Most technical services managers have their bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in information technology, engineering, computer science or another related field. During college, you’ll develop a greater understanding of web technologies, manufacturing processes, design and other applications that will come in handy in this career field.
In addition to four or more years of formal education, applicants typically need to have multiple years of experience working in IT and managing a technology infrastructure team or information systems staff. Prospective technical services managers also need to demonstrate technical skills and be able to manage different types of servers. They should have strong leadership and communication skills, as well as excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Financial knowledge and budgeting experience is an added plus.
Technical Services Manager Career Outlook & Salary
The career outlook for technical services managers is expected to be positive because it is part of one of the fastest growing career fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers, including technical services managers, are expected to see a 17% job growth during the next decade. The employment growth can be attributed to the growing need for managers to handle new technology and ensure that all equipment is working properly.
The more industries rely on technology to increase efficiency and maximize their business, the more they will need the technical expertise of technical services managers. With this growth also comes increased competition for the top management positions within an organization. The best job opportunities for prospective technical services managers will be in environmental and biomedical engineering. In addition to a positive career outlook and good job prospects, technical services managers also have a favorable salary and generous benefits. According to Payscale.com, technical services managers can make anywhere from $57,000 to $99,000 annually.
