what is a configuration manager?
As a configuration manager, you ensure the stability and availability of computer systems, networks, and applications. You are responsible for overseeing configuration management procedures to improve efficiency and ensure a smooth workflow. Configuration management is the process of combining individual parts of software or applications into packages or configurations. A configuration represents the interrelated features of physical and functional software products. When individual components are grouped together, you can manage the product configurations that go to various customers.
Your duties typically involve installing and configuring software, hardware, and associated systems for a product. You also develop system configuration standards and create technical documents to guide users and other employees on how to use the systems. Additionally, you are responsible for any changes made to the configurations. You document upgrades and maintenance completed on the systems. That way, the tech teams using the software products will know the configurations powering the software. Aside from monitoring the functionality of the configurations, you are also in charge of security. You maintain the security of configuration information and develop procedures to prevent unauthorised access.
view rolesaverage configuration manager salary
As a configuration manager, you receive an average remuneration package of $125,000 per year. Your salary fluctuates based on your experience and educational qualifications. In a junior position, you start with a salary of $107,000 per year. With experience, your earnings increase gradually, and you can make over $155,500 annually.
what factors affect the salary of a configuration manager?
The main determinant of your earnings is experience. Your experience showcases your skills and ability to perform complex tasks. As a result, having a few years of experience as a configuration analyst or manager improves your remuneration package. When you have additional certifications, you can easily negotiate a higher remuneration due to your expertise.
The size of the company you work for also influences your earnings. When you work for a small tech startup, having limited resources lowers your salary expectations, while working in a large company with vast resources increases your remuneration prospects. Additionally, in large companies, you also handle complex tasks and work with an extensive array of software.
Your working location may also influence your earnings. When you work in a large metro area, the demand for configuration managers increases your earning potential, whereas small cities have a lower demand for configuration managers, which reduces the salaries in the region.
Want to know what you will earn as a configuration manager? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of configuration managers
Configuration managers can specialise in specific aspects of their roles or perform general configuration tasks, such as developing policies and implementing configuration management procedures. For instance, as a software configuration manager, you develop and implement the configuration environment. You also support the implementation of changes to computer systems and software.
As a configuration data manager, you establish configuration and data management policies or procedures. You ensure that configuration items are maintained, stored and archived well. You also monitor stored configurations to prevent unauthorised access.
working as a configuration manager
Are you interested in becoming a configuration manager? Let's explore the specific duties, work environments, and work schedules associated with the role.
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configuration manager job description
Some of the duties of configuration managers include:
- determining the scope of the configuration: as a configuration manager, you are responsible for determining the scope and goals of the configuration management process. For instance, you define the components subject to configuration management, as well as the configuration procedures and the standards or resources required. Aside from defining the scope and goals, you create the configuration plan, policies, methods and processes. You ensure the configuration management plan aligns with the system or product requirements.
- establishing the configuration baseline: as a configuration manager, you define the configuration baseline. The baseline serves as a reference point for future testing, development and deployment. Once you identify the configuration items, which includes hardware components, software modules and documents, you assign a unique identifier to each item. A unique identifier makes it easier to store the software products in a configuration management system (CMS) or configuration management database (CMDB).
- checking and managing changes: as a configuration manager, you are responsible for managing modifications to the configuration. Whether it is an update to configuration items or modifications to the baseline, you implement the change management process. Aside from tracking the changes, you document their impacts on a software product or system.
- auditing configuration management processes: as a configuration manager, you audit the current state and history of configuration items to ensure the physical and logical configurations comply with the defined standards. In case of discrepancies, you resolve them to meet quality standards.
- creating configuration management reports: as a configuration manager, you create reports and document configuration information related to the baseline, configuration items and changes. These metrics track the status of configuration items and compliance with configuration standards.
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work environment
Configuration managers supervise the implementation of configuration management procedures in various industries, including manufacturing, mining and finance companies. However, most configuration managers work for information technology (IT) companies and IT consultancy firms. As a configuration manager, you work in an office equipped with advanced software tools for managing configurations and maintaining system integrity. Like most IT work environments, you work in a creative workspace that promotes creativity and the sharing of ideas. The role involves minimal travelling, and you can also find remote work opportunities.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include systems engineers, systems administrators and software developers. You might also be working in close proximity to software engineers and data engineers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, DevOps engineers, configuration analysts and data analysts.
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work schedule
As a configuration manager, you work standard business hours during the working week, usually from 9 am to 5 pm. When you have project deadlines or a system malfunction, you may work until late in the evening. When making critical updates to the systems, you work weekends to avoid interrupting office operations. Aside from full-time configuration manager positions, part-time jobs are also available.
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job outlook
Configuration managers who demonstrate their expertise in managing complex systems may advance to senior management roles. For instance, you can become a senior configuration manager or a configuration management director. Such senior positions often require professional certifications and mastery of specialised tools, such as Ansible or Puppet.
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advantages of finding a configuration manager job through randstad
Finding your configuration manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a configuration manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
If you want to become a configuration manager, get a bachelor's degree in IT or computer science (CS). Alternatively, complete a course in software engineering or software development to gain the relevant skills. Most companies provide on-the-job training for configuration analysts and managers to help you familiarise yourself with the organisation's systems.
Aside from gaining relevant work experience, consider getting professional certification, such as an Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificate.
configuration manager skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a configuration manager include:
- communication skills: as a configuration manager, you work with a team of DevOps and software engineers, so it is important to explain your ideas clearly. Communication skills help you explain technical terms to users and provide instructions to the technical team. Having exceptional communication skills prevents misunderstandings.
- knowledge in change management: as a configuration manager, you require knowledge in change management to implement and monitor changes to configurations. Your expertise in change management helps you ensure changes are made safely and efficiently, with minimal disruptions to the computer systems.
- problem-solving skills: as a configuration manager, you require good problem-solving skills to identify problems or evaluate their impacts. Aside from analysing problems in configurations, you implement solutions to avoid downtimes and system interruptions.
- organisational skills: your duties involve tracking different elements that need to be configured and ensuring the configuration works properly. With multiple tasks to perform, you should prioritise and organise your tasks to avoid making mistakes or missing important processes that could cause problems.
- technical skills: as a configuration manager, you require exceptional technical skills to configure hardware and software components. Knowledge of automation scripting for automating repetitive tasks can save you time. The ability to apply software updates and patches is also useful in the role.
FAQs about working as a configuration manager
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a configuration manager.
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what is the role of a configuration manager?
As a configuration manager, you lead and monitor configuration management processes to improve workflows. You ensure the configuration of hardware components and software components is tracked at all times. Aside from supervising the configuration process, you monitor for any changes made to the configurations and resolve issues that could cause downtimes.
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how much does a configuration manager make in Australia?
As a configuration manager, you take home a salary of $125,000 per year. Your earnings fluctuate with experience and the complexity of your tasks. In a junior-level position, you start with a salary of $107,000 per year, while in a senior position, you take home over $155,500 annually.
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what does a configuration data manager do?
As a configuration data manager, you are responsible for managing the data integrity for configuration management. Your job is to store and archive data used for configuration management and release the data when requested. You also resolve any issues arising from security breaches and ensure only authorised users can access the data.
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how do I become a configuration manager?
Pursue a computer-related degree to become a configuration manager. A software engineering or computer science degree will help you learn the necessary skills for the role. Gain experience through entry-level jobs in systems administration and software development to prepare you for the role.
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what is the difference between a configuration manager and a change manager?
As a configuration manager, you focus on the aspects of software products, from hardware components to functional modules. You develop processes for managing the configuration process and tracking the configuration items for changes and modifications. A change manager, on the other hand, is only concerned about changes in the software or hardware components. They also implement changes in computer systems.
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how do I apply for a configuration manager vacancy?
Applying for a configuration manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.