Application Manager → Head of Applications

A realistic transition from Application Manager to Head of Applications: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 83%. Difficulty: Medium.

Difficulty: Medium5 stepsDuration: 9 to 13 monthsOverlap: 83%

Transition from Application Manager to Head of Applications.

Transferable skills

  • Applications leadership
  • Application strategy
  • Portfolio management
  • Executive leadership
  • Financial management
  • Stakeholder management

Skills to learn

  • Talent development

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Application Manager experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Applications leadership
    • Application strategy
    • Portfolio management
    • Executive leadership

    Map transferable skills — Applications leadership, Application strategy, Portfolio management — against what a Head of Applications needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the Head of Applications role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Talent development

    Technologies

    ITILMiro

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Talent development.

  3. 3. Get productive with the Head of Applications toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    ITILMiro

    Be hands-on with ITIL, Miro and the rest of the target stack.

  4. 4. Practise Head of Applications work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Head of Applications tasks at work.

  5. 5. Get certified and position yourself as a Head of Applications

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    ITIL 4 StrategistPgMPTOGAF FoundationPMP

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Head of Applications, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes