Job Introduction
Early Years Quality & Practice Manager – Tigers Childcare
Dublin / Hybrid | Full-time | Permanent | €60,000 – €65,000 DOE
Are you passionate about pedagogical excellence and quality assurance in early years and school-age childcare? Ready to shape practice standards across a progressive, values-driven organisation? We’re looking for a Quality & Practice Manager to join our Tigers Childcare team.
About Tigers Childcare
At Tigers Childcare, we create exceptional learning and care environments where children thrive through play, exploration and meaningful relationships. With 27 centres, we are proud to be one of Ireland’s leading childcare providers committed to continuous improvement, inclusion, and child-led learning.
Our values centre on respect, curiosity, collaboration, and professionalism – for children, families, and each other. When you join Tigers, you join a warm and progressive team that supports your growth and wellbeing every step of the way.
About the Role: Quality & Practice Manager
Reporting to the Managing Director (Operations), the Quality & Practice Manager leads Tigers Childcare’s internal Quality Team and drives the delivery of high-quality, child-centred pedagogy across our services. You will ensure consistent implementation of national frameworks (Aistear, Síolta, QRF), guide internal audits, and support services to meet and exceed compliance standards through coaching, strategic planning, and leadership.
This is a field-based leadership role. Regular travel across our network of centres nationwide is required, so a full driving licence and access to your own car is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the internal Quality Team.
• Oversee internal audits and quality assurance processes across all services.
• Develop and monitor service-level action plans and support regulatory readiness.
• Provide clear pedagogical leadership aligned with current best practices.
• Build reflective practice and continuous learning among educators and service teams.
• Partner with HR to shape induction, training, and CPD aligned to pedagogical values.
• Produce internal pedagogical communications (e.g., newsletters).
• Represent Tigers in professional forums and with support agencies as needed.
• Travel regularly to centres nationwide to provide on-site support, mentoring, and guidance.

What We’re Looking For

• A Level 8 qualification (or higher) in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the sector, with a track record in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of Aistear, Síolta, and Tusla’s QRF.
• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance, compliance, and pedagogical leadership.
• Strong coaching, influencing, and communication skills.
• High degree of autonomy, accountability, and adaptability.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to services across Ireland. A full clean driving licence and access to a personal vehicle is required.

What You’ll Get as Part of the Tigers Team

• What the Role Offers You
• A leadership role shaping pedagogical excellence and quality assurance across all Tigers Childcare services
• Strategic influence over how national frameworks like Aistear, Síolta, and QRF are implemented across the organisation
• A key voice at the table, working closely with the Executive Team and leading a high-impact Quality function
• Direct contribution to improved child outcomes, regulatory readiness, and colleague development
• The opportunity to embed a culture of reflective practice, professional accountability, and continuous improvement
• A collaborative and values-led workplace that genuinely supports professional growth and innovation
• Salary & Benefits
• €60,000 – €65,000 salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Mileage and expense reimbursement in line with company policy
• Mobile phone and laptop provided
• 20 days annual leave, with additional days linked to service
• Performance-related bonus (up to 8%)
• Pension scheme (5% employer contribution)
• Access to the Tigers Employee Wellbeing Programme

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.

• Lead, manage and develop the internal Quality Team.
• Oversee internal audits and quality assurance processes across all services.
• Develop and monitor service-level action plans and support regulatory readiness.
• Provide clear pedagogical leadership aligned with current best practices.
• Build reflective practice and continuous learning among educators and service teams.
• Partner with HR to shape induction, training, and CPD aligned to pedagogical values.
• Produce internal pedagogical communications (e.g., newsletters).
• Represent Tigers in professional forums and with support agencies as needed.
• Travel regularly to centres nationwide to provide on-site support, mentoring, and guidance