What Is an Implementation Manager? How to Become One, Salary, Skills.

Implementation managers guide the setup of new technical processes and programs for a company. Here’s what to know about an implementation manager’s needed skills, salary and how to become one.

What Is an Implementation Manager?

Implementation managers oversee the implementation of new technical systems and solutions throughout an entire organization. They often customize solution integration strategies and account for implementation resources, time and training needs to best support employees.

What Do Implementation Managers Do?

Implementation managers help teams implement and understand new hardware and software solutions for business use.

Implementation Manager Responsibilities

• Develop strategic roadmaps for implementing new technologies and preparing employees within deadline, budget and client needs.
• Guide company-wide technical system configuration, optimization and maintenance.
• Provide technical support and feedback throughout implementation life cycle.
• Collaborate directly with project managers and business leaders to meet implementation goals. 

Implementation Managers Within a Company

Implementation managers can be part of an IT department within a company or a contracted third party. They may report to a senior implementation manager.

Importance of Implementation Managers

Implementation managers contribute their technical expertise toward companies that otherwise may not be familiar with specific technologies or avenues for integration. Based on their guidance, new technical implementations can have significant effects on a company’s productivity or revenue. 

What Skills Are Needed to Be an Implementation Manager?

Qualifications to Be an Implementation Manager

• Five or more years of experience in software implementation, technical consultancy or similar roles.
• Ability to create technical implementation strategies and provide staff-level guidance.
• Proven ability in diagnosing and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Proven ability to build and maintain customer relationships.
• Proficiency in technical product and system installation.

Implementation Manager Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT or a related field.
• Company-specific product certifications.

Implementation Manager Hard Skills

• Expertise in computer software and hardware environments.
• Fluency in one or more programming languages (HTML, JavaScript, Python, SQL).
• Experience with database management systems.
• Knowledge of budgeting and cost analysis tools.

Implementation Manager Soft Skills

• Analytical skills.
• Customer service and satisfaction.
• Project management skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.

Tools and Programs Implementation Managers Use

• Google Workspace
• HTML
• JavaScript
• Microsoft 365
• Python
• SQL

How to Become an Implementation Manager

Implementation Manager Education and Experience

Implementation managers often hold a bachelor’s degree in computer, IT or related field as well as company-specific product certifications where necessary.

Implementation managers may need to obtain five or more years of experience in software installation, technical consultancy or similar roles. Knowledge of software and hardware installation and troubleshooting, customer service, project management, programming languages and budgeting and cost analysis tools are recommended.

Implementation Manager Certificates and Courses

• Computer technician training for CompTIA A+ certification
• IT & Technical Support Guide to Helpdesk, Desktop & Servers
• IT Management: Essential Principles and Skills
• The Complete SQL Bootcamp: Go from Zero to Hero

Implementation Manager Career Path

Professionals often hold several years of experience as an implementation specialist, IT specialist or related roles before entering the implementation manager role. After management experience, professionals can move into roles like senior implementation manager and director of implementation roles.

Implementation Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Implementation managers, related to project management specialist roles, will see jobs grow about seven percent by 2031.

The full compensation package for an implementation manager depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s experience and geographic location. See below for detailed information on the average implementation manager salary.