Childcare Manager

On behalf of our client, a well-established community childcare provider, AllPro Recruitment is seeking an experienced Manager to lead the operations of two childcare facilities.

The service operates a crèche alongside a preschool and afterschool facility, providing essential early years and school-age childcare within the local community.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manager to take responsibility for the operational, financial and strategic management of both facilities. The successful candidate will work closely with a voluntary Board of Directors while having the autonomy to manage the day-to-day running and continued development of the service.

Applications are welcomed from experienced managers within childcare, retail, hospitality or other service-based environments who can demonstrate strong leadership, commercial awareness and operational management skills.

The Role

The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for both facilities, ensuring high-quality service delivery, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and the effective management of staff.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure both facilities meet all relevant governance and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a consistently high standard of readiness for Tusla inspections.
• Ensure compliance with childcare regulations, health and safety requirements, employment law and data protection legislation.
• Prepare regular reports for the Board of Directors regarding service delivery, compliance, performance and operational matters.
• Maintain appropriate policies, procedures, records and quality-assurance processes.

Financial Management

• Take responsibility for the financial management and sustainability of both facilities.
• Manage budgets, cash flow, financial forecasting and profit and loss accounts.
• Monitor expenditure and introduce cost-effective working practices without compromising service quality.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive financial reports for the Board.
• Support effective business planning and long-term financial decision-making.

Funding and Service Development

• Identify suitable government funding schemes, grants and other funding opportunities.
• Prepare and submit high-quality funding applications.
• Maximise available funding to support the continued development of both services.
• Develop strategic plans to improve and expand service provision.
• Identify opportunities that will benefit children, families and the wider community.

People Management

• Lead, support and manage employees across both facilities.
• Conduct regular appraisals, supervision meetings and employee support sessions.
• Create a positive, professional and supportive workplace culture.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill mix in line with Tusla requirements.
• Manage recruitment, induction, training and continued staff development.
• Support employees in delivering consistently high standards of childcare.

Operational Management

• Oversee the daily operation of both facilities.
• Ensure the consistent delivery of safe, high-quality and child-centred services.
• Implement and maintain effective operational policies, procedures and best practices.
• Build positive relationships with parents, employees, Board members, statutory bodies and other stakeholders.
• Lead continuous improvement and service-development initiatives.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A minimum of three years’ experience successfully managing teams of up to 20 employees.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, support and develop employees.
• A minimum of three years’ experience managing profit and loss accounts for a small business or service.
• Strong financial management, budgeting and business-planning skills.
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and preparing successful funding or grant applications.
• Experience reporting directly to a Board of Directors, senior management team or other governance body.
• The ability to prepare clear reports, presentations and financial updates.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, databases and financial management systems.
• Willingness to complete Garda vetting.

Desirable Requirements

The following would be advantageous but are not essential:

• A recognised childcare qualification, such as a Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education or an equivalent qualification.
• Previous experience within the childcare or early years sector.
• Knowledge of Tusla Early Years Inspectorate requirements and childcare regulations.
• Experience within a community, social enterprise or not-for-profit organisation.
• An understanding of Síolta and Aistear.
• Experience with quality-assurance processes and continuous improvement.

Professional Development Requirement

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Tusla-recognised Level 6 childcare qualification within two years of appointment. Support will be provided to assist with this professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate of €20.00–€25.00, depending on experience.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays.
• Employer contribution towards the employee’s personal pension arrangement.
• Flexible working arrangements.