How to Become an Analytics Manager

Purpose

An analytics manager holds a managerial role, in which they're in charge of a team of analysts who are analysing data. The analytics manager looks over their work and compiles reports and insights that will be beneficial for the company.

These insights ensure that the company makes decisions driven by data and revises business models based on patterns in the market. Analytics managers are up-to-date with industry standards and new technological advancements. Combined with their understanding of data analytics, they provide highly informed suggestions and advice to companies.

Analytics managers also have the important task of staying in the loop with the finances and operations of the company and provide reports on the same.

Business Analytics Manager's Job Description

A business analytics manager's job description includes many tasks such as:

1. Analyse data that has been provided by their team and draw out insights and important information.

2. Address business issues by using information gained from understanding data.

3. Train and develop a strong team of data analysts. Address their issues and provide guidance and solutions.

4. Share insights gained from data with different teams, including management and stakeholders.

5. Ensure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are being implemented.

If you're aiming to lead data teams and drive decisions with insights, explore MBA in Business Analytics syllabus and skills needed to become a data-driven analytics manager across industries like finance, marketing, and operations

Skills

Individuals keen to take up an analytics manager job should have the following skills:

1. Good communication skills to work with their team and also share insights and reports with management.

2. Attention to detail to be able to meticulously look through data reports and find valuable information.

3. Experience working as a data analyst in order to rise up to a managerial position.

4. Strong presentation skills to be able to confidently share insights and answer questions with ease. An analytics manager is in charge of sharing their insights and knowing their reports inside out.

5. An analytics manager must be able to think critically and visualise the results of the data analysis.

6. Proficiency in technical tools such as SQL, Python, and data visualisation platforms like Power BI or Tableau is increasingly expected as of 2025-26, with AI-assisted analytics emerging as a key differentiator in the role.

Benefits

1. The role is high in demand. As of 2025-26, India faces a shortfall of over 2 lakh data analytics professionals (NASSCOM), with salaries growing 12-15% annually, making this one of the most sought-after career paths.
2. A large number of positions are available. Analytics managers hold important roles, which are specific in nature. These roles, coupled with a high demand for employees, make for a niche position which has many openings.
3. It is a well-paying role due to its high demand and a limited supply of available professionals.
4. Companies depend on their analytics managers heavily and as a result, they are highly respected by their employers.

How to Become a Data and Analytics Manager

There are one of two ways to get into the role of an analytics manager - to either study data at a postgraduate level or to gain experience by working at a data analytics company.

Admission

In order to study data at a postgraduate level, it is also important to complete an MBA degree. An MBA is important for those who want to climb the corporate ladder and rise to a managerial level.

There are many courses available to students interested to start on the path to becoming analytics managers:

Entrance Exams

There are many entrance exams that students can take in order to study postgraduate degrees in data analytics. Some of these exams are:

1. CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
2. IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test)
3. JNUEE (Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination)
4. GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)
5. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
6. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
7. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
8. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
9. NMAT (NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) Management Aptitude Test)

Topics to Study for Entrance Exams

1. English usage and grammar
2. Quantitative Aptitude
3. Number System, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, Time and Work
4. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
5. Tables and Graphs
6. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Colleges Offering Degrees in Data Analytics

Specialisation

Data Analytics, in itself, is a specialised field. After an MBA, candidates are prepared to lead teams and become an analytics manager. For those interested in studying further, there is an option to study for a PhD.

Fees

The fees for degrees to go into the field of analytics management are as follows:

Loans

Banks across the country offer students loans for their higher studies with interest rates as low as 7.5%. There are also organisations such as Propelld offering 100% digitised private student loans.