Technology Manager Career Information

Many companies are talking about convergence of technologies. And you are aware that new technologies in virtually every field are hitting the dock everyday. At the center of all this is Information Technology. Virtually, every three months, we have new technologies.

Your main role will be managing technologies including Information Technology. Your job begins with system study and identifying the need for technologies for your company. You will go on to identify sources of the required technologies, carry out budgeting, resource allocation, cost accounting and procure the required technologies. Your role will include software engineering, in case of Information Technology and Project Management.

As a technologist, you will work within the organisation's overall business plan to support core business activities. The company will use your technical judgement to make high-level decisions and to provide overall guidance and direction on technology matters.

Technology Managers are also responsible for hiring and managing people, who use, adapt, train and support the use of technologies in the company. If you handle IT, then you will be managing System Architects and Software Engineers.

As a technologist, you will work with other functional heads in the company to work out technology financing, manpower plans, product development and upgrading operations using the technology, technical support and other general issues. Usually, the work profile of a Technology Manager goes like this:

Planning As a technology manager, you will develop a thorough knowledge of the business you are in. Identify the areas that could get a shot in the arm with inducting new technology. Determine the profits/advantages that you could derive from it. Then decide how you as a technologist, want to go about acquiring that particular technology

Evaluation As a technologist, you will find out the various technology options available to you and select the one that is tailor-made to your needs.

Procurement As a technologist, you will have to decide how much the technology is worth and negotiate it with firms offering this service to get the best bargain

Implementation As a technologist, you will oversee the integration of new technology with your business and ensure that quality specifications are met within the stipulated deadline. This will also include testing and checking the system for bugs. You will be the final authority to certify that the project has been completed as per the specifications.

Usage and support As a technologist, you will get the best out of the technology. You will create systems and training packages to maintain efficiency. You will also carry out technical support functions.

Revaluation Periodically, you will check whether the technology is good as per current standards and whether it needs to be changed. Depending on the size and complexity of an organisation there may be opportunity for some specialisation like:

Information Technology Manager As a technologist, you will oversee planning and implementation of new or modified Information Technology within the organisation's overall framework.

Project Manager You will be responsible for scheduling, controlling and directing resources, people, funding and facilities for particular projects. These projects may involve major modifications to existing systems and technology or the implementation of new modules or technology.

Quality Managers As a technology manager, you will be responsible for the preparation of quality guidelines and evaluation of systems in conformity with established domestic or international standards and performance criteria.

Job Opportunities:

Previously managers specialising in areas such as planning and business development would be put through technology related courses. But the quantum leaps in technology means that specialists are required for this field. As a Technology Manager, you will be working for industrial houses, devising plans to streamline their operations using the latest technology.

As a Technology Manager, you could also be a part of Management Consulting agencies, which offer technology consulting as part of their vast array of services. Freelancing is not that much of an option here, as firms prefer in-house staff that offers stability and continuity to outsourcing it from individuals.

To summarise, you will be working for:

• Manufacturing companies

• Service sectors companies like banks, large-scale tourism agencies, etc.

• Information Technology companies like i2 technologies, Mindtree Consulting, etc.

• Management consultants like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, etc.

• Industrial consultants like L & T, DCL, etc.

• Technology consultants like Chemtex, etc.

Career Prospects:
No industry wants to be left behind technologically and the cost saving opportunities that come with embracing new technologies in the long run are too huge to be ignored. There has therefore been a rush to employ Technology Managers. Even abroad there is a great demand for Technology Managers of Indian origin.

Another factor that will add on to the demand for new breed of Technology Manager is the convergence of various technologies. For example, convergence of life science or Biotechnology with Information Technology, Information Technology with wireless telecommunication technology, etc.