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Data Manager job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$101,268per year, about $49 an hour
Range$26,500 to $162,500 a year
Hourly$13 to $78 an hour
EducationExtensive formal education is necessary for Data Managers.
Also calledDatabase Manager, Data Engineer, Data Architect
DepartmentInformation Technology
The role

What is a Data Manager?

Data Managers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the company’s data and data systems.

Their job involves managing data infrastructure, implementing policies and procedures for effective data management, formulating techniques for data collection and maintenance, and evaluating the performance of data systems.

Data Managers also ensure the security and confidentiality of data by implementing and monitoring security systems, overseeing the integration of new technologies and initiatives, and ensuring data systems and operations comply with the company’s standards.

They also monitor the performance of staff members, conduct data analysis, and create and maintain detailed reports.

What to screen for

The top Data Manager skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
Data AnalysisStrong data analysis skills are essential for Data Managers. Data analysis helps them extract, collect, organize, and analyze data to derive meaningful insights and come to conclusions. Data analysis requires the use of various analytical tools and techniques that help Data Managers identify patterns, trends, and correlations within the data.
Database ManagementThe exquisite knowledge of database management is crucial for Data Managers. The ability to design, implement, and maintain database systems ensures the effective storage and safety of data. An effective understanding of database structure also ensures data availability, integrity, and performance.
Business IntelligenceBusiness intelligence involves Data Managers’ ability to understand how to properly manage and analyze data for business purposes. Before even gathering data, Data Managers must understand why they’re collecting it and how it can relate to the company’s needs. Business intelligence helps Data Managers acquire a more strategic approach to data management.
CommunicationCommunication is vital for Data Managers because they need to build and foster relationships with stakeholders, partners, business leaders, and other IT professionals. Communication helps them convey important technical information and requirements, address issues, and collaborate effectively on mutual business goals and initiatives.
LeadershipData Managers should also have strong leadership abilities. Leadership helps them monitor and manage data-related operations within the IT department, oversee the performance of team members, provide constructive criticism, assistance, and training, and motivate team members toward achieving mutual goals.
Free template

The job description, ready to post.

Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.

Data ManagerInformation Technology · Free to use and edit

Our company is hiring a new Data Manager. Your primary job will be to design the company’s data systems and manage data infrastructure. You will be responsible for establishing and implementing policies and procedures for effective data management, analysis, and reporting, and formulating techniques that provide quality data collection, as well as the accuracy and authenticity of data.

You will analyze and evaluate the performance of data systems and identify ways to improve them, oversee the integration of new technologies and initiatives into data infrastructure, and ensure the security and confidentiality of data. Ultimately, you will troubleshoot technical problems, assist team members in the daily use of data systems, and maintain detailed reports on extracted data.

An ideal Data Manager for our company would have exceptional data analysis, data management, business intelligence, communication, and leadership skills.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain the company’s data and data systems
  • Develop and manage data infrastructure to accelerate data analysis and reporting
  • Establish and implement policies and procedures for effective data management
  • Formulate techniques that provide quality data collection as well as the accuracy and authenticity of data
  • Ensure data systems and operations comply with the company’s policies and standards
  • Implement and manage procedures related to the secure and efficient handling and sharing of data
  • Analyze and evaluate the performance of data systems and identify ways to improve them
  • Monitor and supervise staff members in the daily use of data systems
  • Oversee and manage the integration of new technologies and initiatives into data infrastructure
  • Ensure the security and confidentiality of data and information by implementing digital security systems
  • Ensure the appropriate and smooth functioning of data collection and applications
  • Identify and troubleshoot technical issues and authorize modifications
  • Conduct data analysis and explain and interpret data to executives and other IT professionals
  • Create and maintain detailed reports on extracted data

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, statistics, or another IT-related field
  • Prior working experience as a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, or a similar role
  • Advanced experience managing and handling large amounts of data
  • A thorough understanding of data management policies and procedures
  • Solid knowledge of modern database and information technology systems
  • Exceptional analytical and math skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration
  • Strong leadership and problem-solving
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

Degree first, then the certification.

Extensive formal education is necessary for Data Managers.

They usually acquire a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, statistics, mathematics, or another related field.

Both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees provide candidates with a strong foundation in terms of data analysis, data management, programming languages, business analytics, and other areas.

Relevant certifications can help prospective candidates enhance their credentials and become more noticeable to employers.

They can obtain several certifications, such as Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), Certified Data Management (CDM), or other industry-specific qualification.

CDMP

Certified Data Management Professional

Demonstrates expertise in data management principles and practices.

DAMA International
CDM

Certified Data Manager

Validates knowledge and skills in data management and governance.

Data Management Association (DAMA)
Treat these as a signal, not a requirement. Plenty of strong candidates come up through experience without one.
After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a Data Manager.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • What words would you use to describe your everyday life?
  • Can you tell us more about your weaknesses?
  • Have you ever considered an alternative career path at some point?
Human Resources
  • To what extent do you use your formal education as a Data Manager?
  • What makes you a more appropriate candidate for this position than other individuals?
  • Do you have any specific career goals as a Data Manager?
Management
  • What tools and methods do you use to ensure the accuracy and integrity of your work?
  • How do you clearly present and explain technical data to non-technical stakeholders?
  • Tell us about the time when you had difficulties managing data and how you resolved it eventually.
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • Could you explain the difference between structured and unstructured data and provide an example for both?
  • In what situations would you use different types of data models?
  • What are the benefits of data warehousing in terms of easier analysis and reporting?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$26,500
25th percentile$67,000
Median$101,268
75th percentile$130,500
90th percentile$162,500

Hourly equivalents run from $13 at the 10th percentile to $78 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Database Manager

Data Engineer

Data Engineers are professionals who build databases, systems, and methods that help companies store and manage important data.

$122,435 median

Data Architect

Data Architects are IT professionals responsible for managing the company’s database models and systems.

$135,570 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What do Data Managers do?

Data Managers are IT professionals who develop, design, and maintain the company’s data systems and storage.

They analyze and evaluate the performance of data systems, manage data infrastructure, implement new technologies and initiatives, and ensure the security of data.

What is the difference between a Data Manager and a Database Manager?

Data Managers are responsible for using data to improve a range of operations and initiatives and achieve goals toward effective data analysis.

On the other hand, Database Managers focus on improving technologies that affect the company’s data storage.

What skills are essential for Data Managers?

Data Managers must have outstanding data analysis, data management, business intelligence, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Who do Data Managers report to?

Data Managers can report to different roles depending on the organizational structure of the company, such as Chief Data Officer, Chief Information Officer, IT Manager, or IT Director.

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