Due to continued growth and the opening of new centres, Little Harvard Childcare is expanding and strengthening its leadership team.
Purpose of the Role
As Regional Manager, you are responsible for ensuring that every centre in your region delivers:
Outstanding care and education
Full regulatory compliance
Strong team performance and retention
Commercial stability and growth
You will act as the critical link between Head Office and centre teams, translating strategy into consistent, high-quality execution on the ground.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Performance Management
Lead, coach, and hold accountable a group of Crèche Managers
Conduct regular structured check‑ins focused on:
Staff wellbeing
Performance issues
Operational challenges
Drive a high-performance culture with clear expectations and follow-through
Support underperforming centres with structured improvement plans
2. Quality, Compliance & Safeguarding
Ensure full compliance with Tusla, Children First, and all regulatory requirements
Conduct monthly audits of centres, including:
Health & safety
Aistear/Síolta curriculum delivery
Child records and documentation
Room observations and standards
Oversee safeguarding practices:
Review logs with DLP
Ensure timely escalation and closure of all concerns
Maintain inspection readiness at all times
3. Operational Excellence
Oversee daily operations across all centres in your region
Ensure consistent implementation of policies, procedures, and standards
Monitor:
Incident logs
Fire drills and safety checks
Cleaning and hygiene standards
First aid compliance
Identify risks early and take decisive action
4. People & Culture
Ensure monthly supervisions are completed for all staff
Support managers in:
Performance management
Employee relations issues
Building strong, stable teams
Drive initiatives to improve:
Staff engagement
Retention
Leadership capability
Champion a positive, respectful, and accountable culture
5. Recruitment & Staffing
Maintain full staffing across all centres
Monitor recruitment pipelines:
Vacancies
Interviews
Onboarding progress
Work with HR to proactively plan for:
Growth
Seasonal turnover
Ensure correct staff:child ratios at all times
6. Curriculum & Quality of Practice
Review planning, observations, and learning documentation
Ensure strong implementation of Aistear and Síolta frameworks
Support managers to continuously improve practice quality
Drive consistency in the child’s daily experience across all centres
7. Financial & Commercial Oversight
Manage regional performance against budget:
ECCE, NCS, and private fee income
Monitor:
Occupancy levels
Fee collection processes
Cost control (staffing, supplies, resources)
Identify risks and opportunities to improve financial performance
8. Parent Experience & Reputation
Monitor parent feedback trends across centres
Ensure:
Complaints are handled promptly and professionally
Strong communication between centres and families
Protect and enhance the Little Harvard reputation
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Operational Performance
Occupancy: ≥ 85% average across region
Staffing: < 5% unfilled roles
Ratio Compliance: 100%
Payroll Accuracy: < 2 errors per month
Quality & Compliance
Internal Audit Scores: Meet/exceed target across all centres
Inspections: 100% positive outcomes (no major non‑compliances)
Health & Safety: 100% compliance on checks and records
Safeguarding: All cases actioned with no delays
People & Leadership
Supervisions: 100% completion monthly
Staff Turnover: Reduction trend, target < 30% annually
Training Compliance: 100% up to date
Parent Experience
Complaints: Response within 48 hours, resolution within 7 days
Satisfaction: Maintain/improve (target 8+/10 or equivalent NPS)
Financial
Budget Control: Within ±5% monthly
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience in a multi‑site leadership role (childcare or similar regulated sector)
Strong working knowledge of:
Tusla regulations
Children First
Aistear & Síolta frameworks
A confident leader who can:
Challenge poor performance
Support and develop managers
Make clear, timely decisions
Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and performance
Excellent communication, organisation, and problem‑solving skills
Relevant qualification in childcare, business, or related field (desirable)
Why Join Little Harvard?
Senior leadership opportunity in a growing organisation
Competitive salary + bonus potential
Clear impact – shape standards across multiple centres
Career progression as we continue to expand
Employee Assistance Programme
Ongoing training & development
25 days annual leave (post‑probation)
Discounted private health insurance
Supportive and ambitious leadership team
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