Runs an IT business unit: P&L, strategy, teams, services and the relationship with the business.
Entry
Expert
Coding
Low
Key skills
Career overview
The Business Unit Manager IT runs an IT business unit as a full P&L: strategy, service portfolio, teams, providers, customer relationship and financial performance. They are accountable for the unit’s contribution to the IT and business objectives. The role leads to IT manager, IT director or VP technology.
Main responsibilities
- Manage an IT team and its operations
- Define strategy and steer long-term direction
- Ensure delivery of products and programs
- Manage budget, scope and risks
- Align stakeholders and report progress
- Run steering committees and project rituals
- Mentor junior team members and review their work
- Coordinate the technical work of the team
- Coordinate with software vendors and third parties
- Prioritise work and manage competing demands
- Structure work, resources and governance
- Own the technical roadmap of the perimeter
Technical skills
Technologies
Education level
Education requirements vary depending on the company, country and experience. Professional experience, certifications and technical skills can sometimes compensate for formal education.
High School / Bac
Less common
Bac+2 (2-year degree)
Less common
Bac+3 (Bachelor)
Less common
Bac+5 (Master / Engineering)
Common entry point
Experience & coding level
Experience level
Coding level
Useful certifications
Certifications are never mandatory. They are one way among others to prove a skill.
- ITIL 4 Strategist
- PgMP
- PMP
- MBA
Where can this career take you?
Multiple paths are possible. Click a role to open its profile.
Direct progression
Possible branches
Where can you go next?
Realistic next career moves, with compatibility and a transition roadmap for each.
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking
- Leadership
- Clear communication
- Negotiation
- Big-picture thinking
- Decisiveness
- Stakeholder management
Related resources
Explore your career path
See how IT careers connect and where this role can lead.
Keep exploring
Compare this role with others, or check which career fits you best.