Creche Manager – Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Thedoortalent; Mullingar; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Thedoortalent is recruiting a Centre Manager for a busy community childcare service in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. You will lead a large, multi-room setting caring for over 100 children, ensuring high-quality practice and strong parent partnerships.

We seek an experienced Early Years leader with a Level 7 in Early Childhood Education (Level 8 preferred) and proven leadership ability. This is a full-time, permanent role with a competitive salary based on experience and opportunities to shape the

Qualifications

• Leadership experience within the Early Years sector.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with parents and staff.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive quality across multiple rooms.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing child development, curriculum planning, and programme delivery
• Ensuring high-quality practice across all rooms and age groups
• Building strong, trusting relationships with parents and the wider community
• Managing Tu sla compliance, inspections, policies, and communication
• Leading staff development, training, mentoring, and ongoing support
• Providing guidance and leadership to new and existing team members
• Creating a positive, structured, and collaborative working culture
• Working in partnership with the Board, as this is a community childcare service

Education

Leadership

Job description

Full-time | Permanent | Competitive salary based on experience

A community-based childcare service in Mullingar is seeking an experienced and motivated Centre Manager to oversee the full operation of a busy, high-quality early years setting. This role is ideal for Early Years professionals who are currently working in the sector and ready to progress into a meaningful leadership position within a community environment.

About the Role

The Centre Manager will lead a large, multi-room service caring for over 100 children. You will be responsible for ensuring high-quality educational practice, strong parent partnerships, and a positive, structured working culture across the centre.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing child development, curriculum planning, and programme delivery
• Ensuring high-quality practice across all rooms and age groups
• Building strong, trusting relationships with parents and the wider community
• Managing Tusla compliance, inspections, policies, and communication
• Leading staff development, training, mentoring, and ongoing support
• Providing guidance and leadership to new and existing team members
• Creating a positive, structured, and collaborative working culture
• Working in partnership with the Board, as this is a community childcare service

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a candidate with both strong leadership skills and a positive, proactive attitude.

You should be:

• Currently working in the Early Years sector (Room Leader, Deputy Manager, Manager, etc.)
• Confident in managing and motivating teams with clarity, empathy, and professionalism
• Someone who genuinely wants to do their job well, improve, and contribute positively
• A person who enjoys working in a community-based environment with strong values
• An excellent communicator, able to build relationships and maintain strong parent partnerships
• Knowledgeable in child development, curriculum planning, and quality frameworks

Qualifications:

• Minimum Level 7 in Early Childhood Education (Level 8 preferred)
• Proven leadership experience within the sector

Why This Role Stands Out

• A warm, supportive atmosphere rooted in community values
• Strong parent partnerships and meaningful family engagement
• A sense of purpose and impact within the local area
• Flexibility in responsibilities depending on your strengths
• Long-term opportunities for professional growth and development
• A workplace where your leadership genuinely shapes the daily experience of children and staff

Salary & Working Conditions

• Salary aligned with experience
• Full-time Contract
• Location: Mullingar, Co. Westmeath