Principal – Lighting Design Team Lead

WSP Global Inc.; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. in Riyadh is seeking a Principal Consultant – Lighting Design to lead high-profile architectural lighting projects across the Middle East.

You will drive creative concepts, manage client engagements, and oversee budgets, teams, and design delivery from concept to handover. The role demands senior leadership, exceptional communication, and a track record of winning work through compelling proposals.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in architectural/creative lighting design.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to manage client relationships and deliver to tight timelines.
• Strong visual communication and storytelling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex lighting design projects end-to-end with creative and technical excellence.
• Act as primary client-facing representative: presentations, stakeholder management, design direction.
• Oversee budgets, financial tracking, and scope control.
• Oversee resourcing, team allocation, and workflow planning.
• Mentor junior team members (1–2 direct reports).
• Develop high-quality proposals, bids, and design submissions.
• Support studio growth, innovation, and design standards.
• Contribute to strengthening WSP’s lighting design presence in the Middle East.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Lighting design

Proposal development

Mentoring

Project delivery

Business growth

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.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.