Senior Lighting Designer

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people-first culture. As a Senior Lighting Designer, you will lead the creative and technical development of innovative lighting schemes that elevate buildings, interiors, and public spaces. This role combines strong design vision with advanced technical expertise to shape how architecture and the built environment are experienced through light. You will bring a deep understanding of lighting design principles, proficiency in relevant design software, and demonstrable experience navigating the UK planning system. The Role A key focus of the role is supporting and responding to the planning process, including the design and assessment of external lighting schemes across a diverse range of sectors. You will play an active role in ensuring lighting proposals meet regulatory requirements while delivering high-quality, sensitive design solutions. In addition, you will be expected to proactively identify and secure new opportunities in both architectural and landscape lighting, spanning interior and exterior projects. Building and maintaining strong relationships with new and existing clients will be central to your success, contributing to the growth and reputation of the practice. Responsibilities will include: Develop and deliver architectural lighting concepts and detailed design packages for both interior and exterior schemes. Produce detailed lighting layouts, specifications, calculations, and visualisations that communicate design intent clearly to clients and project teams. Develop and oversee lighting concepts for public realm, architectural, and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with planning frameworks and statutory guidance. Prepare detailed lighting impact assessments, environmental statements, and planning‑stage documentation to support applications and consultations. Lead coordination with planners, urban designers, landscape architects, and engineers to integrate lighting seamlessly into wider masterplans. Advise clients on planning risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies related to light spill, sky glow, ecology, and community impact. Present proposals to planning authorities, stakeholders, and design review panels with clarity and authority. Mentor junior designers, setting quality standards and ensuring technical excellence across all planning‑related deliverables. Rewards & Benefits SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licenses, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression. Our flexible benefits & reward package includes: Competitive salary with discretionary bonus Company pension Private medical insurance Life, income, and travel insurance Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes We believe sustainable careers need balance, that’s why we offer: Flexible, hybrid and agile working 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays Buy or sell leave options Core working hours Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities Family life and wellbeing matter at SLR: We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress, and menopause - supporting our people both professionally and personally. About You You’ll bring: Proven experience in architectural and/or landscape lighting design Strong creative vision with the ability to translate concepts into technically robust lighting solutions In-depth knowledge of lighting design principles, technologies, and industry standards Proficiency in relevant lighting design and visualisation software Demonstrable experience working within the UK planning system, including preparing lighting impact assessments Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly to clients, stakeholders, and planning authorities Strong client relationship skills, with experience developing and maintaining long-term partnerships Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a team Culture & Inclusion Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you. If this Senior Lighting Designer role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you. We’re Making Sustainability Happen. We don’t have all the answers to the complex sustainability challenges faced by humanity today. But we’re working on it. We are a consultancy with 4,500+ employees, working on projects in over 125 countries around the world. When you join SLR, you’ll work alongside some of the world’s leading advisors and technicians on projects of global importance in the environmental space. We know sustainability starts from within. And no matter how good we are today, we can always do better. We continually work on our internal ethics to set the standard for organisations and reflect the advice we give to clients. Don't see the dream job you are looking for? Drop off your contact information and resume and we will reach out to you if we find the perfect fit!