IAM Manager Job Description

IAM manager job description

This article analyzes the IAM manager job description, common job requirements, duties, qualifications, management reporting level, salary range, technical skills, and professional certification. The role of an identity and access management manager is to address risks that may arise during identity and access life cycle management and digital identity transformation. The IAM manager must typically own the IAM program, be on top of the latest technology, be aware of the IAM best practices, innovative technical solutions, threats facing the organization, and the state of the enterprise user directory, as well as support change. IAM managers will also have to address the compliance requirements of their organization by ensuring the appropriate policies that support regulations are in place and enforced as part of the IAM program management.

IAM manager job description, duties and salary

IAM Manager Job Description

The IAM manager job description typically includes but is not limited to the following:


1. Develop and implement and IAM program with policies and procedures.
2. Manage user access to systems, applications, and data.
3. Monitor compliance with policies, regulations, and customer requirements.
4. Perform risk assessments and audits.
5. Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions.
6. Train users on policies and procedures.
7. Stay up to date on evolving threats, technologies, and solutions.
8. Collaborate with other departments to ensure secure access to systems and data.
9. Document processes and procedures.
10. Escalate and resolve issues in a timely manner.

Job Duties

The most important duty of an IAM manager is to ensure that authorized users have the right access to company systems, data, and applications. Here are some typical job duties that employers post online:

  • Plan, implement, and manage identity and access management solutions.
  • Administer user accounts, permissions, and access controls.
  • Monitor activity logs to identify security incidents.
  • Work with senior leadership to ensure that the program meets the needs of the business and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
  • Develop and maintain training materials related to identity and access management.
  • Keep up to date with the latest industry developments and trends.
  • Manage user identity lifecycle including onboarding, offboarding, and account updates.
  • Monitor compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
  • Respond to audit findings and implement remediation measures.
  • Handle escalated customer inquiries and support tickets.

Qualifications and Professional Experience

The qualifications for an IAM manager vary depending on the company, but most employers require at least a computer science bachelor’s degree, and many prefer applicants with a master’s degree. Here are some standard qualifications that employers post online:

  • Bachelor’s degree or better in computer science or a related field.
  • Professional certification such as Certified Identity and Access Manager (CIAM) or Certified Identity Management Professional (CIMP).
  • 5 years of experience in IAM or a related field.
  • Strong technical skills, including experience with identity and access management solutions.
  • Familiarity with best practices and compliance standards.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Knowledge of dynamic and high-level languages such as PowerShell or Python.
  • Experience with SQL databases.
  • Experience in IT security or associated field.
  • At least three years of experience in a management role.

Management Reporting Level

An IAM manager typically reports directly to the IAM Director, IT executive, or the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Depending on enterprise philosophy, IAM managers may report to the CISO or the Director of information security because they are perceived to be responsible for security of IT systems as well as user access interface in the company.

In other cases, an IAM manager may report to the IAM Director or VP because the IAM manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the IAM program, while the IAM Director or VP is responsible for the overall strategy and governance of the IAM program. The IAM manager may also report to the head of the IT department in some cases, depending on the company’s size.

IAM Reports Prepared by IAM Manager

IAM managers are typically required to create and distribute reports to demonstrate the effectiveness of the IAM program. The periodic IAM reports may include the following, however, other relevant reports may be generated daily or with other frequency to address other elements of the IAM program.

Annual report on the status of the IAM program

An IAM manager may produce an annual report to assess and communicate the effectiveness of the IAM program and make recommendations for improvements.

Quarterly report on security incidents

This report will include an analysis of the incidents in the prior quarter, the steps taken to mitigate the incident, and recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future.

Monthly report on IAM program metrics

This is to track and report on key IAM program metrics such as the number of user accounts created, the number of access requests processed, and the number of compliance audits conducted.

Salary Range

The salary range for an IAM manager varies depending on the company’s size, industry, and location. Mostly, IAM managers earn between $ 80,000 and $160,000 per year. Additionally, IAM managers at larger companies and in high-cost-of-living areas tend to earn more than those at smaller companies and in lower-cost-of-living areas. Here is a breakdown of the salary range for an IAM manager by company size:

  1. Large companies (over 1000 employees): $100,000-$160,000 per year
  2. Medium-sized companies (250-1000 employees): $90,000-$130,000 per year
  3. Small companies (under 250 employees): $80,000-$120,000 per year

Technical Skills

IAM managers need to have a strong understanding of the technical aspects of identity and access management. Here are some of the technical skills listed in an IAM manager job description that employers look for in an IAM manager:

  1. In-depth knowledge of identity and access management concepts, such as SSO, role-based access control, and identity federation.
  2. Experience with identity and access management tools, such as Active Directory, LDAP, and Azure AD.
  3. Strong understanding of authentication protocols, such as SAML, OAuth, and Kerberos.
  4. Familiarity with networking concepts like firewalls, VPNs, and DNS.
  5. Experience with programming languages, such as Java, Python, and PowerShell.
  6. Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to identity and access management.
  7. Willingness to learn new technologies and keep up with industry trends.

Soft Skills

In addition to the technical skills listed above, employers also look for IAM managers with excellent soft skills. Here are some of the soft skills listed in a typical IAM manager job description that will help you succeed in this role:

  1. Communication: As an IAM manager, you will need to be able to converse complex technical matters with non-technical staff. You should also be able to effectively communicate with other IT team members.
  2. Interpersonal skills: You will need to be able to build relationships with other members of the organization, such as the security team, the IT team, and business users.
  3. Problem-solving skills: You will need to be able to identify and resolve complex issues.
  4. Organizational skills: You will need to be detail oriented, and able to accomplish various tasks simultaneously.
  5. Time-management skills: You will need to be able to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
  6. Teamwork: You will need to be able to work as part of a group.
  7. Flexibility: You will need to be able to adapt to changing requirements and technologies.
  8. Learning agility: You will need to be able to adopt firsthand technologies quickly and keep up with industry fashions.

Professional certification

While not always required, professional certification can help you get ahead in your career as an IAM manager. One of the most popular professional certifications for IAM managers is the Certified Identity and Access Manager (CIAM) credential. This certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their process and risks management expertise in identity and access management.

To obtain a CIAM certification, you must pass an exam administered by Identity Management Institute (IMI). As an IAM manager, it is essential to have the CIAM certification in order to verify your proficiency and commitment to the IAM field.

Certified Identity and Access Manager (CIAM)