Network manager
Design, set up and run computer systems to help connect people and companies.
About the job
What it's like
You would design, set up and run computer systems to help connect people and companies.
You could work for one company as part of their IT team, or become a consultant, helping many different clients.
You would work with four main types of network:
Local area networks (LANs) – connecting computers within a small area like an office or building
Metropolitan area networks (MANs) – joining LANs together across a city
Wide area networks (WANs) – linking systems across countries
Global area networks (GANs) – joining networks across the whole world, often using wireless and satellite technology
You would:
Find out what your client or company needs
Design and test network plans to meet those needs
Make sure network plans work with different computer systems
Manage technical staff
Make sure networks are safe and secure
Check networks to make sure they are running properly
Report on how well networks work and how much they are used
Manage network changes or growth
You would work closely with other IT staff and business managers.
It would be important for you to be able to manage a project and negotiate.
Hours
You would work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may be expected to work overtime on some jobs to minimise disruption to a client's business.
Environment
The job is normally office-based.
Travel
You may be based at one site, or travel between various sites.
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Related industries
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Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- network functions virtualization
- network management
- network monitoring
- development management
- vaccinology
- single sign-on (sso)
- research funding
- grant applications
- securities (finance)
- operational risk
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- delegating
- developing a plan
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most applicants have either a degree (SCQF level 9/10), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) qualification in an IT subject such as:
Computer systems
Network technologies
Software engineering
Electronic engineering
Business information systems
To enter a relevant IT course at Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma level (SCQF level 8) requires National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers (SCQF level 6).
To enter a degree course requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers at BBB.
A postgraduate degree (SCQF level 11) in advanced networking or network security would be helpful.
You usually need to have relevant work experience as a network engineer, systems analyst, IT manager or network administrator to enter this job.
You would need a driving licence for some jobs.
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