As the Design Manager, your role will be to manage Cairn's central design standards across all projects, coordinating innovative processes, systems, and technology.
You will report to the Design Lead – Pre-Construction & Innovation and support broader functions in pre-construction, planning, design, and delivery. The role requires uniting teams and adopting a streamlined, innovative approach to collaborative design at Cairn.
Key Responsibilities:
Innovation Management – Lead
1. Project manage and coordinate new innovations within the Cairn Innovation Framework, developing designs for site use.
2. Engage with product suppliers and subcontractors to organize design integrations and evaluate products.
3. Prepare implementation plans for innovation projects, including risks, opportunities, costs, and technical challenges.
4. Coordinate and oversee Cairn innovation activities, maintaining a yearly program for each project.
5. Develop the innovation framework, programs, and processes to support the business approach.
6. Create standards for innovation and handover packages using the Technical Design Library.
7. Ensure timely decision-making for critical design innovations within delivery and procurement schedules.
8. Manage design innovation team inputs across technical, landscaping, interiors, architecture, costs, sales, and construction.
9. Conduct technical due diligence on new products and innovations with internal teams and third-party advisors.
10. Collaborate with the Sustainability team to incorporate sustainability metrics into innovation initiatives.
11. Work with commercial and procurement teams to ensure high-quality, cost-effective products.
12. Establish realistic budgets for design materials and systems prior to use.
13. Integrate standards into the Cairn Digital Library with the Digital Construction Manager.
Pre-Construction / Central Design Standards – Support
1. Manage and maintain Central Design Standards information.
2. Support pre-construction meetings and pipeline management.
3. Coordinate with Design Leads to ensure consistency across all design facets and update the Cairn’s Design Library.
4. Stay updated on innovations in construction and coordinate with professional institutions and internal teams on design innovation strategies.
5. Engage with supply chain and subcontractors to embed innovations into Cairn Design Standards.
6. Produce and manage drawings for the Cairn Technical Design Library, including externally completed work.
Key Cairn Functional Interfaces
The Innovation Manager will work across various functions throughout the project lifecycle, including:
* Design Leads – Product/Architecture, Interiors, Landscaping
* Technical Managers
* Commercial & Procurement
* Site Teams
* Customer/Sales Teams
* Sustainability
* Subcontractor Relationship Team
The Candidate
* Degree in Architecture, Architectural Technology, or Project Management
* Proven ability in innovation and fresh thinking
* At least 5 years’ experience in residential construction or similar
* Strong knowledge of building regulations and legislation
* Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders
* Innovative mindset and confidence to challenge methodologies
* Ambitious, proactive, and disciplined
* Strong programming and independent working skills
* Excellent communication skills
* Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
Working with Cairn Homes
We value our employees and offer competitive packages, including benefits such as salary, bonus, pension, health insurance, CPD funding, paid leave, life assurance, income protection, and more. Our purpose is to build sustainable communities and create a legacy of connection and belonging, building for people, progress, and potential.
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