Network Operations Manager: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What does a Network Operations Manager do?

A Network Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization’s network infrastructure.

They ensure that all network systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and other communication systems, operate efficiently and without interruption. The Network Operations Manager leads a team of network engineers and technicians, manages network monitoring systems, and responds to any network issues or outages. They also play a key role in planning and implementing network upgrades, ensuring network security, and maintaining high availability and performance standards.

Their work is essential in ensuring that the organization's network infrastructure is robust, secure, and capable of supporting business operations 24/7.

Network Operations Manager: Main duties

Network Operations Managers in the IT & Development field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization’s network infrastructure.
Manage and lead a team of network engineers, technicians, and support staff.
Monitor network performance and ensure high availability, reliability, and security of network systems.
Respond to network issues and outages, coordinating rapid resolution to minimize downtime.
Plan and implement network upgrades and expansions to meet business needs and technological advancements.
Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices for network security and data protection.
Develop and maintain documentation of network configurations, procedures, and policies.
Collaborate with other IT and business departments to align network operations with organizational goals.

Network Operations Manager: Key Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Extensive experience in network management, with a strong background in network engineering and operations.
In-depth knowledge of networking protocols, technologies, and hardware, including routers, switches, and firewalls.
Experience with network monitoring tools and systems, such as SolarWinds, Nagios, or similar platforms.
Relevant certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or ITIL, are highly advantageous.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Network Operations Managers

Strong leadership and team management skills to effectively oversee network operations staff.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities to address complex network issues.
Effective communication skills for collaborating with IT teams, management, and external vendors.
Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of network security and performance.
Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Salary Expectations for Network Operations Managers

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Network Operations Manager	IT & Development	100,000 USD

The average salary for a Network Operations Manager in the U.S. is approximately $100,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Network Operations Managers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$125,000
Senior	11+ years	$110,000
Experienced	6-10 years	$100,000
Mid Level	3-5 years	$90,000
Entry Level	0-2 years	$75,000

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Network Operations Manager Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Network Operations Managers

Network Operations Managers can advance to senior IT leadership roles such as Director of Network Operations, IT Director, or Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With additional experience and certifications, they may also specialize in areas such as network security, cloud networking, or enterprise architecture. Continuous professional development in advanced networking technologies, IT management, and cybersecurity can lead to leadership positions within large organizations or opportunities in IT consulting and technology strategy.

Network Operations Manager: Work Environment

Network Operations Managers typically work in office settings within IT departments of large organizations, technology companies, or managed service providers. The role involves managing network operations and ensuring that all network systems function efficiently and securely. Network Operations Managers may work outside regular business hours, especially during network emergencies or maintenance windows. The work environment is fast-paced, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage complex network infrastructures while ensuring high availability and performance.

Network Operations Manager: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

Join the IT leadership as a Network Operations Manager, leading a team to maintain and optimize network infrastructure for business success.