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How to Become an ICT Manager: Australian Careers in IT

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What is a ICT Manager?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a ICT Manager?

An ICT Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the use of computer and telecommunication systems in an organisation. They align technology with business goals, oversee IT teams, and protect digital assets. ICT Managers work across banking, health, government, retail, and almost every other industry in Australia.

Day to day, an ICT Manager works out what technology the organisation needs. They set ICT strategy, select and install systems, train staff, and set priorities between maintenance and new projects. Most also manage budgets and liaise with vendors and senior management.

Security is a central focus of the role. ICT Managers put measures in place to stop data breaches and keep systems running safely. As cyber threats grow, this part of the job carries more weight than ever.

Around 95,800 people work as ICT Managers in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). About 4,100 new positions are added each year. For those who enjoy technology, problem-solving, and leading teams, this is a well-paid and growing career.

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Career snapshots For ICT Managers

Around 95,800 people work as ICT Managers in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Annual employment growth is about 4,100 new positions per year. The median full-time weekly earnings are $3,310 (ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). Most ICT Managers work full-time, with 94% in full-time roles and an average of 44 hours per week. The median age is 45, and women make up 25% of the workforce. NSW (35.7%) and Victoria (35.1%) employ the largest share of ICT Managers nationwide.

What will I do?

An ICT Manager keeps an organisation’s technology running and aligned with its goals. They lead IT teams, plan digital strategy, and make sure systems are secure and efficient. Here are the typical tasks in this role.

  • Checking information needs: looking at what technology the organisation needs to meet its goals.
  • Setting ICT strategy: developing and directing technology policies, plans, and roadmaps.
  • Directing resource selection: choosing and installing hardware and software, and training staff to use it.
  • Managing ICT operations: setting priorities for system development, upkeep, and daily running.
  • Overseeing security: putting controls in place to protect data and meet compliance needs.

What skills do I need?

An ICT Manager needs both tech skills and leadership. On the tech side, they must know how IT systems, security, networks, and software work. They need to spot what the business needs and find the right solutions. Project skills help them deliver on time and within budget.

Communication is just as vital. ICT Managers run IT teams, explain complex ideas to non-tech staff, and brief senior managers on tech choices. They also need to stay current as technology moves fast. A love of learning is a must in this role.

Skills/attributes

  • Leadership and team management
  • ICT infrastructure and architecture knowledge
  • Cybersecurity and data protection
  • ICT strategy and policy development
  • Project management
  • Budget and resource management
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Knowledge of IT governance frameworks such as ITIL
  • Vendor and contract management
  • Staff training and development
  • Ability to adapt to new and changing technologies

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.