Job Introduction
Cover Manager - Tigers Childcare
Multiple Locations - Travel Between Centres | Full-time (40 hours per week) | Fixed Term| €22 per hour
At Tigers Childcare, we don't just hire for roles - we hire for impact. Whether you work directly with children, support behind the scenes, or lead teams across services, your work helps shape a nurturing environment where children - and colleagues - can thrive.
If you're organised, values-driven, adaptable and ready to support multiple centres, this could be your next chapter.
Why We Do What We Do
Tigers Childcare creates exceptional environments where children thrive through play, exploration and meaningful relationships. With 27 centres and growing, we're one of Ireland's leading childcare providers - committed to quality, inclusion and continuous improvement.
The same values that guide how we support children - curiosity, care, consistency and high expectations - shape how we support our teams. At Tigers, we invest in your development, prioritise wellbeing, and ensure everyone feels they belong.
How You'll Make An Impact
As a Cover Manager, you will play a vital role in ensuring stability, quality and compliance across multiple settings. You will step into centres as needed, providing experienced leadership and hands-on support during periods of absence, transition or increased demand.
Act as the Person in Charge when covering centres, ensuring all quality, safety and compliance standards are upheld.
Support teams in delivering a dynamic emergent curriculum that meets the individual needs of children.
Maintain high standards of care, hygiene, environment and safety across settings.
Oversee and document child protection concerns, incidents, complaints and accidents, ensuring correct procedures are followed.
Build professional working relationships with staff, families and external agencies such as TUSLA and Early Intervention Teams.
Ensure centres continue to run smoothly in the absence of permanent management, maintaining occupancy, routines and service consistency.
Act as Designated First Aid Person, Deputy Designated Child Protection Liaison Person and Designated Fire Safety Person while covering.
Ensure full compliance and preparedness during inspections, supporting teams and supplying required documentation.
Stay current with sector legislation, best practice, and developments in early years education.
What You'll Need To Succeed
Must-Haves
Minimum Level 6 Early Childhood Education & Care (Level 7/8 preferred)
Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience, ideally including supervisory or leadership duties
Strong understanding of inclusive early childhood education and care
Excellent knowledge of early years legislation and regulatory requirements
Flexibility and willingness to travel between multiple centres as required
Strong communication, organisation and decision-making skills
Nice-to-Haves
Experience supporting multiple locations or acting in a relief/cover capacity
Additional training in first aid, fire safety, or child protection
Interest in developing leadership skills within a values-led organisation
The Perks, the Pay, and the Purpose
What The Role Offers You
A dynamic, meaningful leadership role supporting multiple services
Strong team support and a genuinely values-driven culture
Opportunities for professional development and progression
A role where adaptability, professionalism and initiative are truly valued
Salary & Benefits
22 euro per hour
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
Let's Build Something Brilliant Together
If this sounds like your kind of role, we'd love to hear from you. Apply via [insert link].
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 and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.