Area Manager – North Mayo & Sligo Afterschool Services
Location: North Mayo & Sligo
Hours: Monday–Friday, 2:00pm – 6:00pm (Term Time)
Reporting to: Director/Operations Manager
About the Role
Tír na nÓg Childcare is seeking an experienced and motivated Area Manager to oversee the daily operations of eight afterschool services across North Mayo and Sligo. The successful candidate will provide leadership and support to eight Service Managers, ensuring high-quality childcare, regulatory compliance, excellent communication with families, and consistent standards across all locations.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone with strong organisational, people management, and childcare experience.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Management
- Provide day-to-day support, guidance and supervision to eight Afterschool Managers.
- Conduct regular visits to each service to ensure quality standards are maintained.
- Lead, motivate and develop staff through coaching and performance management.
- Assist with recruitment, induction and probation of new employees.
- Manage staffing levels and provide cover arrangements where required.
Operational Management
- Ensure all services operate safely and efficiently each day.
- Monitor compliance with Tusla regulations, Little Vista records, policies and procedures.
- Carry out quality assurance visits and implement continuous improvements.
- Ensure correct staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times.
- Support managers with incidents, accidents, safeguarding concerns and behavioural issues.
Administration
- Review attendance, registers and daily records.
- Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and submitted on time.
- Monitor occupancy levels and assist with enrolments where required.
- Support managers with NCS administration and parent documentation.
Parent & School Relationships
- Build and maintain positive relationships with parents, schools and local communities.
- Respond professionally to parent concerns and resolve issues promptly.
- Attend meetings with schools and external agencies when required.
Compliance
- Ensure all services comply with:
- Tusla School Age Childcare Regulations
- Children First Guidelines
- Health & Safety legislation
- Company Policies and Procedures
- Child Protection requirements
Quality Improvement
- Support managers in delivering engaging, child-led afterschool programmes.
- Promote best practice across all services.
- Identify training needs and support staff development.
- Maintain consistent standards across every location.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum QQI Level 5 qualification in Early Childhood Care & Education or equivalent.
- Minimum 2 years' management experience in childcare.
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of Tusla regulations and School Age Childcare requirements.
- Full clean driving licence and access to own transport.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and childcare management systems.
- Knowledge of the hive portal
Desirable
- Experience managing multiple childcare settings.
- Experience with Little Vista childcare software.
- Experience in staff mentoring and quality assurance.
- First Aid and Children First training.
Personal Qualities
- Positive and professional attitude.
- Excellent leadership and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple sites.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Passionate about providing high-quality childcare.
What We Offer
- Leadership role within a growing childcare organisation.
- Opportunity to make a positive impact across multiple communities.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- Supportive management team.
- Mileage allowance for travel between services.
- Company phone and laptop (where applicable).
Hours: Monday–Friday, 2:00pm–6:00pm (16-20 hours per week, term time)
Location: Services across North Mayo and Sligo.
If you are an enthusiastic childcare professional with a passion for leadership and quality, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: €17.00-€25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Childcare
- Flexitime
- Free or subsidised travel
- Work from home
Work Location: In person
