Installation coordinator is a term that can be used to describe two very different positions. Typically, an installation coordinator is someone who works for a service firm. An installation coordinator can also be someone who coordinates the installation of software or other system-based solutions. Although the job title is the same, the level of responsibility, complexity and compensation are quite different.
An installation coordinator working for a services firm has three primary areas of responsibility: scheduling, coordination of multiple jobs, and estimating time required for each job. Service firms range from installation of equipment to repair calls. Scheduling staff, equipment, and resources appropriately requires experience and a firm understanding of the job requirements.
In order to become a service firm installation coordinator, most employers require successful completion of post-secondary education in the actual trade or service that the firm provides. The most common method of becoming an installation coordination is promotion from a service technician position. Many firms feel that only employees with field experience can really understand all the nuances required to make this change.
This position requires the management of conflicting priorities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to resolve issues quickly, based on limited information. Time pressure is quite high in this job, as poor planning and scheduling results in reduced productivity. Effective management of resources and staff plays a large role in keeping staff motivated and focused.
The second type of installation coordinator is typically part of an information technology project management team. Reporting directly to the project manager, his or her role is to manage all the processes directly related to the installation. This type of installation coordinator starts with a detailed list of all the functional modules and programs in the original software product, as provided by the supplier.
Each change, adjustment or customization must be itemized and tracked. Special instructions surrounding the order of installation and any modification required once the change in implemented must be noted and managed. It is the installation coordinator's responsibility to make sure clients have the correct changes, implemented in the right order. Any clashes of changes or issues are communicated by the installation coordinator to the programmers for correction.
In order to qualify for this type of position, a university degree in computer science, system development, and applications is required. A minimum of 10 years working in the information technology industry is necessary to qualify for this role. There is a significant level of responsibility that often requires extended hours and interference with personal and family life.