Overview of the Role: The General Manager is responsible for the overall management and leadership of a large childcare service catering for approximately 300 children, offering both ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) and Afterschool programmes.
This position requires a highly organised, experienced, and people-focused leader who can ensure the highest standards of care, compliance, and curriculum delivery in line with Tusla, DCEDIY, and Aistear/Solta frameworks.
The successful candidate will act as the Person in Charge as defined by Tusla, overseeing all aspects of operations, staff management, quality assurance, and administration.
Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Management Provide strong leadership and clear direction to all staff, fostering a positive and professional working environment.
Supervise, motivate, and appraise a large team of childcare and afterschool professionals.
Ensure consistency of practice and high standards across all rooms and programmes.
Lead with empathy, excellent communication, and strong interpersonal skills to maintain team morale and effective parent relationships.
Compliance & Quality Standards Act as the designated Person in Charge with responsibility for compliance under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 and the Tusla Quality and Regulatory Framework.
Ensure all ECCE and Afterschool programmes meet DCEDIY, NCS, and Core Funding requirements.
Maintain all compliance records and prepare for Tusla inspections and audits.
Implement continuous quality improvement using Aistear and Solta frameworks.
Curriculum & Programme Delivery Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality educational programmes.
Support staff to deliver age-appropriate and inclusive activities that promote childrens holistic development.
Ensure that learning environments are safe, stimulating, and responsive to childrens needs.
Administration & Operations Oversee all administrative and financial aspects of the service, including attendance records, fee management, funding claims (ECCE, NCS, etc.), and staff rosters.
Manage communication with parents, staff, and external agencies.
Ensure policies, procedures, and documentation are up to date and in full compliance with statutory requirements.
Staff Development & HR Lead recruitment, induction, supervision, and performance management of staff.
Support ongoing professional development through training and mentoring.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels and compliance with ratio and qualification requirements.
Health, Safety & Child Protection Act as the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) or Deputy DLP for Child Protection.
Promote a culture of safety and wellbeing for children and staff.
Ensure implementation of Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and Child Protection policies.
Parent & Community Relations Maintain excellent relationships with parents, ensuring open communication and partnership.
Represent the service professionally within the local community and liaise effectively with schools and agencies.
Qualifications & Experience Required: Minimum: Level 8 BA (Honours) qualification in Early Childhood Care & Education or equivalent recognised by DCEDIY.
Experience: At least five years experience in a similar management role within a large childcare or early years setting.
Demonstrated ability to manage overall administration, compliance, and daily operations of a busy childcare service.
Skills: General Manger Level 8 HR Skills