Centre Manager (After-School)

About the role

At Tigers Childcare we create exceptional environments where children thrive through play, exploration and meaningful relationships. With 33 centres across Ireland, we are a leading childcare provider committed to quality, inclusion and continuous improvement. As an After‑School Centre Manager you will be a senior leader, balancing hands‑on work with children and day‑to‑day operations to ensure quality, compliance and community are at the heart of everything we do.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Designated Person in Charge, overseeing all aspects of centre operations.
• Lead the delivery of a dynamic emergent curriculum, tailored to meet the individual needs of children.
• Monitor and uphold high standards in quality, safety, hygiene, and care across the centre.
• Serve as Deputy Designated Liaison for Child Protection, ensuring concerns are recorded, reported and resolved.
• Collaborate with the Deputy Manager to drive centre development, including funding opportunities and occupancy optimisation.
• Serve as the Designated First Aid and Fire Safety Person.
• Maintain professional relationships with external agencies such as Tusla and the Early Intervention Team.
• Be present and prepared during Early Years Inspections, ensuring full compliance and transparency.
• Stay up to date on sector developments through networking, training and media.

Requirements

• Minimum Level 5 in Early Childhood Care and Education (Level 7/8 preferred).
• At least 3 years post‑qualification experience in an early years setting, ideally with leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of inclusive early childhood education.
• In‑depth knowledge of current childcare legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.

Pay

Competitive salary ranging from €19.00 to €20.36 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience. Permanent contract.

Schedule

27.5 hours per week.

Benefits

• 30 paid holiday days (including bank holidays, with service‑based increases).
• 5 days statutory sick pay.
• FlyeFit gym discount.
• 10 % discount on HSF Health Plan.
• €500 referral bonus (unlimited).
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Educational Assistance Programme.
• CPD and career development opportunities.
• Tigers Stripes Recognition Programme.
• Onboarding induction, colleague appreciation days, and quarterly paid team meetings.
• Break‑room facilities and on‑site parking.

Additional Information

All roles are subject to Garda Vetting and reference checks in line with regulatory requirements and Tigers Childcare’s Safeguarding Policy. Tigers Childcare is an equal‑opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion.