Centre Manager - Lucan

Job Introduction

Centre Manager 

Lucan | Full-time | Fixed Term| DOE

At Nexus, we deliver specialist early years education for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in structured, supportive environments designed around each child’s individual needs. 

As part of the Tigers Childcare group, Nexus brings together early years education and autism-informed practice to create settings where children can learn, communicate and develop with confidence. 

This is not a traditional Centre Manager role. It is an opportunity to lead a specialist service where your leadership directly shapes the quality of care, education and outcomes for children and their families. 

Why We Do What We Do 

Nexus was established to provide high-quality early years education for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in environments tailored to their individual learning profiles. 

Our approach is built on: 

• Individualised learning plans based on each child’s strengths and needs 
• Structured classroom environments that support predictability and engagement 
• A strong focus on communication, independence, and social development 
• Collaboration with families and relevant professionals to support consistent progress 

We are committed to delivering educational experiences that are respectful, evidence-informed, and aligned with best practice in autism education. 

How You’ll Make an Impact 

• Lead the overall operation of the centre, ensuring a safe, high-quality and fully compliant service
• Drive excellence in practice by overseeing the delivery of individualised, child-centred programmes
• Provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team, including educators and behaviour support colleagues
• Ensure the service remains inspection-ready and compliant with Tusla and Department of Education requirements
• Act as Designated Liaison Person, maintaining strong safeguarding practices
• Build trusted relationships with parents and act as a key point of contact for the service
• Lead colleague performance, development and engagement
• Support occupancy, admissions and overall service performance

What You’ll Need to Succeed 

Must-Haves 

• Level 7 or Level 8 qualification in Early Years Care and Education or a related discipline 
• Active Teaching Council registration (or eligibility to apply) 
• Minimum 3 years’ post-qualification experience, including experience in a supervisory or management role 
• Experience working with children withAutism Spectrum Disorderand/or additional needs 
• Strong leadership and people management capability 
• Excellent organisational and communication skills 
• A clear understanding of safeguarding, regulatory and compliance requirements 
• Ability to manage a complex, fast-paced service and make sound decisions 
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written 

Nice-to-Haves 

• Additional training or experience in ASD, communication supports or behavioural approaches (e.g. PECS, Lámh, ABA-informed practice)
• Experience managing inspections (Tusla / Department of Education)
• Experience in a specialist or additional needs setting
• Experience managing budgets, occupancy or service performance
• Experience working with multidisciplinary or external professional teams

The Perks, the Pay, and the Purpose 

What the Role Offers You 

• A meaningful role contributing to [team/childcare/family/organisational] success
• Supportive colleagues and a genuinely values-led culture
• Opportunities to grow and develop through CPD and learning
• A role where your care, detail and professionalism are noticed and valued

Salary & Benefits 

• Competitive salary
• 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. 

All roles are subject to Garda Vetting and reference checks in line with regulatory requirements and Nexus/Tigers Childcare’s Safeguarding Policy. Nexus/Tigers Childcare is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

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