What is an IT Director?

In order to compete and stay successful, today’s modern businesses require the seamless, efficient and frictionless deployment of technology. No matter the size of an organisation, enterprise or business, technology has accelerated growth and innovation like never before. Thus, technological infrastructure and personnel are must-haves for organisations. This includes important jobs like IT Directors that affect the success of an organisation’s culture and prosperity. IT Director roles also ensure that all IT is safe, secure and working. They are critical members of an organisation's operations to oversee all IT operations and IT teams. 

In markets where technology underpins all business, the most valuable tasks nowadays depend on technology. So, the role of an IT Director is especially important to keep workflow streamlined and technology implemented correctly. 

What is an IT Director? 

A highly important position within all corporations, the IT Director will have the overall responsibility for the organisation’s networks, systems, hardware, software, and cloud computing operations. This is an interesting role that attracts those with excellent people management skills, an organised mindset, and a strong understanding of all things technological.

The job of an IT Director also oversees the maintenance of all these systems and services on an ongoing basis, ensuring that internal IT operations are well-resourced, well-staffed and running optimally. IT Director jobs are very senior positions as they also help set the overall IT policy or improve IT processes, which is very important for an organisation to meet governance requirements that involve technology. Their role is especially critical when it comes to risk and cyber security too. 
 

Duties and responsibilities - What are the roles and responsibilities of an IT Director?

An IT Director job description covers a range of responsibilities to ensure the organisation's IT infrastructure is running smoothly. The many duties that an IT Director has will include the likes of:

• Overall management of technical operations, including management of a diverse team of skilled IT professionals. 
• Often they also manage IT staff teams, with a responsibility to recruit, evaluate, train, guide and discipline staff. 
• Implementation, development, monitoring, upgrading and support of IT systems. This includes operating systems, PCs, software applications, telephones, laptops, etc. 
• Striving to reach several relevant business targets and reporting progress to other directors. They also provide expert advice and support to the organisation on the best way forward in terms of technology. 
• Managing effective security measures to minimise risks to security. Furthermore, they develop and roll out Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for IT teams and other organisation employees to follow. 
• Increasing end-user satisfaction levels by constantly improving relevant applications
• Liaising with partnerships, such as IT support. 
• Liaising with department heads, system users and other stakeholders to ensure maximum effectiveness of IT operations
• Arranging upgrades, migrations and replacements of hardware and software utilities
• Oversee the development and implementation of new systems. 
• Ensuring the company has a suitable disaster recovery policy and adequate contingency plans
• Keep up to date with the most recent technological advancements and advise on solutions if necessary. 
• Create and manage budgets for the entire IT department, such as software licensing. 

These are just some examples of an IT Director’s roles and responsibilities. Depending on the organisational structure and industry, there may be other tasks that are not listed here. When applying for an IT Director job role, ensure you read the full list of responsibilities. 
 

Qualities needed successfully apply for an IT Director job

As befits such a senior role, several qualities will be needed to become a successful IT Director. Among them will be an understanding of technical applications that are available now, as well as a comprehension of those to come. A mindset that combines analytical and methodical thinking will be an advantage, and the ability to focus on the small things while remembering the big picture is a must.

Realistic candidates will also have extremely good communication skills, whether listening to the concerns of team members or passing on technical information to other directors. There will be a need to compile reports at times, so those skills will have to be both verbal and written. Directors of IT can expect to be working under immense pressure occasionally, so remaining calm is a definite plus point.

Highly developed leadership skills will be required, and the ability to know what brings out the best in people. IT Directors are, of course, responsible for the overall budgeting, so there will be great emphasis placed on financial skills, including forecasting.

The job of an IT Director also involves making tough decisions. Candidates should have good judgement skills and can make justified decisions. They should also have confidence in themselves and their decisions as this is a leadership role. A truly great IT Director will also have clarity in their vision, clearly communicating what they are attempting to achieve. Focus and organisation are also important to add to an IT Directors’ skills as there can be many IT projects happening simultaneously. They will need to ensure these run smoothly and keep a close eye on IT support teams and governance. 

Qualifications and technical skills - What are the skills of an IT Director? 

In most instances, potential employers will look for candidates who have gained a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the likes of information technology, computer science, computer engineering or business management. Experience working with relevant computer systems may also be a must, depending on the specific role.

While a Director of IT may not necessarily need to be fluent in computer languages, a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each will go a long way. Recruitment teams may also be on the lookout for candidates who have attained qualifications or certifications in some form of management within a corporate environment. As IT Director jobs are senior roles in an organisation, there should also be evidence of leadership skills, such as several years of experience managing IT teams. 

Career development - What is the next step after an IT Director job?

There are several roles that can lead an individual to that of an IT Director job. They can include:

• Software Engineer
• Software Developer
• IT Manager
• Assistant IT Director
• Cybersecurity Engineer
• Web Developer

Later in the career path, there could be opportunities to work as Chief Executive Officer, Director of Operations or Managing Director. Some IT Directors may even move on to roles like Chief Technology Officer or Chief Information Officer. It’s important to note that each organisation has different career transitions. It’s important to look at job role requirements and discuss career stages with an organisation during the interview process to get a better idea of the career path ahead with them. 

Learn more about other IT roles that could lead to a position as an IT Director. 

Salary and remuneration - How much is an IT Director’s salary? 

Salaries and benefits packages for IT Directors are commensurate with similar Director positions in other sectors. As IT Directors handle teams, oversee high-level processes, bear responsibilities, and have a wealth of experience under their belt, an IT Director’s salary is very comfortable. An IT Director’s salary will also depend on the industry, organisation and individual experience and skill.