Land & Development Manager

Land & Development Manager 

The Land & Development Manager will play a key role in progressing land opportunities and joint ventures from acquisition through planning and early-stage development. The role will focus on managing the development process to unlock value, de-risk sites, and prepare projects for delivery, ensuring alignment with Cairn’s strategic, planning, and commercial objectives.

This role will report into the Head of Land Development in the Investment Team.

Key Responsibilities  

Development Management & Delivery

• Lead the progression of sites through early-stage development, from acquisition through planning and pre-construction.
• Identify and resolve key constraints (planning, infrastructure, environmental) to de-risk sites and maximise value.

 

Project Coordination & Reporting

• Act as the central coordinator across internal teams (planning, technical, commercial, finance) during early-stage development.
• Manage programme, budgets, and key milestones to maintain momentum across projects.
• Establish and maintain clear reporting structures across new joint venture projets.
• Provide regular, structured updates to the Head of Development Land on pipeline status, risks, key decisions, and opportunities.
• Prepare high-quality internal reports, including project updates, risk registers, and board-level briefing materials where required.

Stakeholder & Authority Engagement 

• Lead engagement with local authorities, statutory bodies, and key stakeholders to support planning outcomes.
• Manage consultation strategies, including early-stage community engagement where required.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with external stakeholders and advisors.

 

Site Acquisition

• Support and coordinate due diligence on new opportunities, with a focus on planning and development risks.
• Input into site acquisition appraisals by advising on planning potential, constraints, and development strategy.
• Help shape site layouts, density, and product mix to optimise value and deliverability.

 
 

The candidate:  

• Proven experience in land acquisition, development, or real estate investment (ideally 5+ years).
• Strong understanding of planning, zoning, and development processes in Ireland.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess risks and opportunities.
• Commercially astute, with experience preparing investment cases and managing budgets.
• Degree in property, planning, real estate, or related field preferred.

Working with Cairn Homes:

At Cairn, we believe it is essential that our employees feel valued and appreciated. We therefore offer above industry average remuneration packages with a comprehensive benefits portfolio that’s ready to support you for whatever life brings.

We are delighted to offer a suite of benefits when you join Cairn which include

• Competitive salary
• Performance related bonus
• Pension scheme with matching contributions
• Full health insurance with Irish Life health
• Annual salary review
• Continuous Professional development (CPD) programme & funding
• Paid maternity & paternity leave
• Free Cairn annual leave days
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Employee Assistance Programme with VHI
• Tax saver - travel and bike to work
• Culture Committee
• Talent Development Programmes
• Approved Profit Sharing Scheme (APSS)
• Company vehicle (role dependent)

The Cairn purpose is to build sustainable communities where people can thrive.

At Cairn, it’s not what we build, it’s why we build. It’s about putting down a marker that will stand for generations to come. Creating new communities of connection and belonging for an Ireland where people can thrive. Reshaping, redefining, reinvigorating our place in the world. Building for people, progress, and potential.

Because when Cairn build, it’s Built For Good.