Land Development Manager

We are recruiting for this upcoming role with an anticipated start date in Q1 2026. 

Land Development Manager 

The Land Development Manager will identify, evaluate, and unlock strategic land acquisition opportunities, supporting Cairn’s growth ambitions. The Land Development Manager will manage the end-to-end process of land identification, due diligence, acquisition, and early-stage development, ensuring all projects align with company strategy, regulatory requirements, and commercial objectives. 

The Land Development Manager will report into the Head of Land Development in the Investment Team. 

Key Responsibilities  

Strategic Land Acquisition 

• Proactively source and assess new land opportunities, including off-market sites, strategic landbanks, and adjoining assets.  
• Conduct market research, feasibility studies, and site appraisals to inform acquisition decisions.  
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners, agents, promoters, and local authorities to surface opportunities and negotiate favourable terms.  
• Lead negotiations and secure land agreements, options, and contracts, working closely with legal and finance teams. 

  Due Diligence & Risk Management 

• Coordinate technical, planning, environmental, and legal due diligence for potential acquisitions.  
• Identify and mitigate risks, including zoning, planning, ecological, and infrastructure constraints.  
• Prepare and present opportunity briefs, recommendation memos, and investment cases to the Head of Land Development 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Represent Cairn in meetings with external stakeholders, including local authorities, statutory bodies, and service providers. 
• Maintain a living stakeholder map and engagement log for all strategic sites. 
• Support early-stage community engagement and consultation as required. 

Project Coordination 

• Work with internal teams (planning, technical, commercial, finance) to ensure seamless handover from acquisition to development.  
• Track progress of acquisitions and report regularly on pipeline status, risks, and opportunities.  
• Support the Head of Land Development in portfolio reviews and strategic planning. 

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.