At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative lighting schemes for buildings and public spaces, ensuring compliance with planning regulations.
- Company: SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values inclusion and offers excellent work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on architecture and the environment through creative lighting design.
- Qualifications: Experience in lighting design, proficiency in design software, and knowledge of UK planning systems.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people-first culture. Due to growing demand, our Lighting Design team is looking to expand with the appointment of a new Designer or Senior Designer. This is a rare opportunity to support and 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.
We are looking for someone who can bring a sound 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. Depending on seniority, you may also 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, either supporting or leading on the following (grade dependent):
- 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
- Coordinate 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
Senior Designers will also have the opportunity to mentor junior colleagues, 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
Along with proven experience in architectural and/or landscape lighting design, we are looking for someone with:
- 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 Lighting Design role feels like a great fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.
Lighting Designer / Senior Lighting Designer in Leeds employer: SLR Consulting
SLR is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and people-first culture that prioritises professional development and work-life balance. With a strong commitment to sustainability, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health and wellbeing support, and structured career progression opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about innovative lighting design in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lighting Designer / Senior Lighting Designer in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend lighting design events, and join relevant online forums. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure you have a stunning collection of your best work ready to share. Whether it’s a website or a PDF, having a visual representation of your skills can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to sustainability and lighting design, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who are excited about joining our team at SLR.
We think you need these skills to ace Lighting Designer / Senior Lighting Designer in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:When you’re putting together your application, make sure to highlight your design vision and technical expertise. Share examples of your previous lighting projects that showcase your creativity and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
Know Your Stuff:Familiarise yourself with the UK planning system and lighting design principles. Mention any relevant software you’re proficient in, as this will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running in our team.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Lighting Designer role. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at SLR Consulting
✨Know Your Lighting Design Principles
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of lighting design principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how these principles can be applied to create innovative lighting schemes that enhance architecture and public spaces.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant design software. Bring examples of your previous work, such as detailed lighting layouts or visualisations, to showcase your technical expertise and how it aligns with the role.
✨Understand the UK Planning System
Familiarise yourself with the UK planning system and be prepared to discuss your experience navigating it. Highlight any past projects where you successfully prepared lighting impact assessments or worked with planning authorities.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, strong client relationship skills are key for this role. During the interview, focus on building rapport with your interviewers by engaging in conversation and demonstrating your ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
