Principal – Lighting Design Project Lead

WSP; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP’s Creative Lighting Design Studio in the Middle East seeks a Principal Consultant – Lighting Design to elevate our design capability, lead high-profile projects, and contribute to the expansion of one of the region’s most innovative lighting studios.

You will drive creative excellence, shape client engagement, and bring strong technical and commercial leadership to iconic projects, mentoring 1–2 junior staff and guiding proposals from concept through delivery.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in architectural/creative lighting design.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong visual communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Experience in managing client relationships and delivering to tight timelines.
• High level of design sensitivity, creativity, and strategic thinking.
• Experience with conceptual, technical, and detailed lighting design packages.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex lighting design projects end-to-end, ensuring creative and technical excellence.
• Act as a primary client-facing representative: presentations, stakeholder management, and design direction.
• Demonstrate strong commercial understanding, including budget management, financial tracking, and scope control.
• Oversee project resourcing, team allocation, and workflow planning.
• Lead internal initiatives to support studio growth, innovation, and design standards.
• Line-manage and mentor junior team members (1–2 direct reports).
• Collaborate on and develop high-quality proposals, bids, and design submissions.
• Contribute to strengthening WSP’s lighting design presence and thought leadership in the Middle East.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Presentation skills

Mentoring

Proposal development

Project planning

Job description

Join WSP’s growing Creative Lighting Design Studio in the Middle East as a Principal Consultant – Lighting Design. We are seeking a seasoned lighting professional who can elevate the design capability, lead high-profile projects, and contribute to the continued expansion of one of the region’s most innovative lighting studios.

As a key member of the team, you will drive creative excellence, shape client engagement, and bring strong technical and commercial leadership to some of the region’s most iconic projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex lighting design projects end-to-end, ensuring creative and technical excellence.
• Act as a primary client-facing representative: presentations, stakeholder management, and design direction.
• Demonstrate strong commercial understanding, including budget management, financial tracking, and scope control.
• Oversee project resourcing, team allocation, and workflow planning.
• Lead internal initiatives to support studio growth, innovation, and design standards.
• Line-manage and mentor junior team members (1–2 direct reports).
• Collaborate on and develop high-quality proposals, bids, and design submissions.
• Contribute to strengthening WSP’s lighting design presence and thought leadership in the Middle East.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in architectural/creative lighting design.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong visual communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Experience in managing client relationships and delivering to tight timelines.
• High level of design sensitivity, creativity, and strategic thinking.
• Experience with conceptual, technical, and detailed lighting design packages.
• Ability to support business growth, develop proposals, and win work.

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