Head of IT (IT director)
Head of computer services, chief information officer

IT directors manage the development of IT systems for their organisation and its customers.
Salary Range: £55,000 to £140,000

How to become a head of IT (IT director)
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly

University
You can start by doing a degree or postgraduate qualification in a subject like:
- computing
- information systems
- project management
- business management
You’d then apply to join a graduate training scheme with a company to get the experience and skills required to manage IT projects at senior level.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More information
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship
You may be able to become a head of IT by doing a senior leader postgraduate degree apprenticeship.
You’ll normally already be working at a senior management level to do this.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More information

Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs. You’ll usually need at least 2 years’ experience of working at senior management level in IT. You may also need further qualifications or certification with a professional body.
More information
Further information
You’ll find more on careers in computing through The Chartered Institute for IT.

What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- analytical thinking skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
In this role you could be
- planning policies and procedures
- making decisions about the organisation’s priorities
- assessing current and future business costs, risks and opportunities
- negotiating business contracts and monitoring how these are delivered
- making sure procedures meet legal requirements and technical standards
- meeting regularly with the senior management team, partners and clients
- keeping up to date with trends in IT
- managing budgets
Working environment
You could work in an office.

Career path and progression
With experience, you may be able to become a chief executive or chair of an organisation.
You could also work as an IT consultant or start your own business.
©opyright The CV Writer
The career profiles database is designed to compliment the sreries of five Career Advice Guides. Providing information covering the qualifications, skills, expertise and an overview of the responsibilites required for each job role that you can use to build your CV, application letters, application forms and that all important job interview.

For a more detailed description of what’s included in the pack click here
By placing your order with The CV Writer you agree to our Terms and Conditions in full.