Lighting Design Manager at Egis Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lighting Design Manager Company: Egis Group Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Job Type: Full-time Category: Operations (Specialized - Lighting Design Management) Date Posted: August 01, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Spearheads the growth and professional development of the lighting design consultancy business unit, both locally and internationally, aligning with strategic management guidance.
Manages end-to-end project operations, from initial design concept through documentation, administration, and compliance, ensuring high technical standards and client satisfaction.
Drives marketing and business development initiatives to build and maintain business opportunities in lighting design, establishing a strong market identity for specialist lighting activities.
Ensures technical quality control across all projects, providing leadership and peer review to maintain exceptional design outputs and adherence to quality management systems.
Fosters a collaborative and growth-oriented environment for the lighting design team, promoting interdisciplinary synergy and continuous professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is in Lighting Design, the emphasis on business growth, project management, client service, marketing, and team leadership positions it within an operational management framework. The core functions involve managing a service delivery business unit, which aligns with operational excellence principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Lead the strategic expansion of the lighting design business unit, identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities to enhance market presence and profitability across regional and international markets.
Oversee and manage all aspects of lighting design projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation, timely delivery, and adherence to project budgets and client expectations.
Cultivate and strengthen client relationships by delivering high-quality, innovative, and technically sound lighting solutions that interpret client needs and complement architectural features.
Develop and execute marketing and business development strategies, including proposal preparation, client presentations, and active participation in networking events to promote the company's capabilities.
Implement rigorous technical quality control measures, acting as a senior peer reviewer for design documentation to prevent non-conformities and maintain the highest standards of design excellence.
Mentor, train, and develop junior lighting design staff, fostering their professional and technical growth and contributing to the overall enhancement of the company's specialist lighting skills.
Foster cross-pollination of ideas and knowledge within the lighting team and encourage active engagement with other disciplines such as façade, acoustics, and building physics to promote holistic design approaches.
Manage project timelines and cost planning to ensure profitability and client satisfaction, proactively addressing any potential cost overruns or delays.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of lighting analysis software, new market products, and industry best practices to continuously improve business offerings and operational efficiency.
Actively participate in recruitment activities, identifying new talent and assisting management with staff performance reviews to ensure a high-performing and skilled lighting design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily lean towards operational management, business development, and team leadership within a specialized technical domain. The focus on "growing the business," "managing projects," "client service," and "technical quality control" are hallmarks of an operations-centric role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture

Experience:

A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in lighting design, with a proven track record in project management and business development within a design consultancy or engineering firm.
Demonstrated experience in leading and managing design teams, with a capacity to mentor junior staff and foster a collaborative work environment.
Experience in cost planning, proposal preparation, and client relationship management is essential for success in this role, requiring a blend of technical expertise and commercial acumen.

Required Skills:

Lighting Design Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of lighting design principles, techniques, and applications, including the ability to interpret architectural briefs and translate them into innovative and effective lighting solutions.
Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, overseeing scope, budget, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure successful and profitable project delivery.
Business Development & Marketing: Strong capabilities in identifying new business opportunities, preparing compelling proposals, conducting client presentations, and building professional networks to drive practice growth.
Client Relationship Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, understand their needs, and maintain high levels of satisfaction throughout project lifecycles.
Technical Quality Control: Proficiency in conducting peer reviews, ensuring design accuracy, and implementing quality assurance processes to maintain high technical standards and compliance.
Team Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of lighting designers, providing technical guidance, training, and performance feedback.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Skill in working effectively with architects, engineers from other disciplines, and stakeholders to achieve integrated and cohesive project outcomes.
Software Proficiency: Familiarity with relevant lighting design software, analysis tools, and project management platforms to enhance design quality and operational efficiency.

Preferred Skills:

Financial Acumen: Understanding of cost planning, fee proposals, and financial management to ensure project profitability and business unit sustainability.
Presentation & Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts and design strategies effectively to diverse audiences.
Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Capacity to respond effectively to changing project requirements, market demands, and to proactively identify and resolve technical or operational challenges.
Industry Networking: Active participation in industry events, committees, and professional organizations to enhance the company's profile and foster business relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Role Capability Profile" section within the job description provides a detailed breakdown of desired attributes that translate directly into specific skills, such as "Quality & Quantity of Work," "Decisions," "Planning & Time Management," and "Relationships," all of which are critical for operations management roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Project Deliverables Showcase: A portfolio demonstrating successful lighting design projects, highlighting the scope of work, design intent, technical solutions, and final outcomes. This should include examples of conceptual design, detailed design documentation, and any performance analysis reports.
Business Growth Case Studies: Evidence of contributions to business development and growth, such as successful proposal submissions, client acquisition examples, or initiatives that expanded service offerings or market reach.
Team Management Examples: Documentation or case studies illustrating leadership capabilities, including mentoring junior staff, team coordination, and fostering a collaborative work environment that drives efficiency and quality.
Client Satisfaction Metrics: Any available data or testimonials that demonstrate a consistent record of high client satisfaction, repeat business, and positive feedback on timeliness and quality of service.

Process Documentation:

Workflow Design & Optimization: Examples of implemented workflows or process improvements within lighting design projects that enhanced efficiency, accuracy, or cost-effectiveness. This could include documentation of design review processes, interdisciplinary coordination methods, or project administration procedures.
Quality Assurance Frameworks: Documentation outlining how quality control and assurance processes were applied to projects, ensuring adherence to standards, accuracy of documentation, and prevention of design non-conformities.
Performance Measurement & Reporting: Evidence of how project performance (e.g., budget adherence, timeline management, design quality) was measured, tracked, and reported to stakeholders and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the detailed responsibilities around project management, quality control, business development, and team management imply the need for candidates to be able to demonstrate their capabilities in these areas, typically through a portfolio or detailed case studies during the interview process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location in Dubai, UAE, and the experience level (5-10 years), a competitive salary package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar management roles in the region, the estimated annual salary range could be between AED 250,000 to AED 450,000 (approximately USD 68,000 to USD 122,500). This range accounts for the managerial responsibilities, business development aspects, and the specialist nature of lighting design.

Benefits:

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for the employee and potentially dependents, typical for international positions in Dubai.
Annual Leave: Generous paid annual leave, often accompanied by an annual flight ticket allowance for expatriate employees.
Professional Development Support: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potentially contributions towards professional certifications relevant to lighting design and management.
Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and business unit achievements.
Relocation Assistance: For candidates relocating to Dubai, assistance with visa processing, initial accommodation, and moving expenses may be provided.
End-of-Service Gratuity: As per UAE labor law, a gratuity payment upon completion of employment.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely to be 40 hours per week, typically from Sunday to Thursday, with flexibility potentially offered based on project demands and team needs. Adherence to deadlines and client service may require occasional extended hours or weekend work, managed through effective time planning and delegation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market research for managerial roles in Dubai, UAE, within the architecture and engineering consultancy sector, factoring in the specific responsibilities of business development and team leadership. Specific benefits can vary and should be confirmed with the employer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Engineering, and Design Consultancy. Egis Group, through its subsidiary Inhabit, operates within the built environment sector, focusing on design-led engineering solutions. This context means an emphasis on technical excellence, innovation, and client-centric service delivery. Company Size: Egis Group is a global player with a significant workforce, and Inhabit functions as a specialized multi-disciplinary team within this larger structure. This implies access to global resources and expertise while maintaining a focused specialization in areas like lighting design. Founded: While the founding date of Egis Group is not provided, Inhabit is described as a collective of experienced professionals. This suggests a company that values deep expertise and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, aiming to integrate different engineering disciplines for holistic building design.

Team Structure:

The Lighting Design team is part of a global structure within Egis Group.
The Manager will likely lead a local or regional team of lighting designers and will be responsible for overseeing their technical and managerial aspects.
Collaboration is expected with architects, façade engineers, building physicists, and other specialists within Inhabit and potentially broader Egis Group teams.

Methodology:

Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on using data to inform design decisions, performance analysis, and business strategy, particularly in relation to lighting performance and client needs.
Workflow Planning & Optimization: Implementing efficient processes for project execution, from concept to completion, aiming for seamless interdisciplinary synergy.
Automation & Efficiency Practices: Encouraging the adoption of advanced software and technologies to improve design quality, reduce errors, and enhance operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.egis-group.com/ (Note: While the job description provided an Inhabit context, the primary organization is Egis Group, and this is the corporate website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be professional, collaborative, and technically driven, with a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for the built environment. The "design-led engineering" approach suggests a blend of creative thinking and rigorous technical execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a management level within a specialized operational unit (Lighting Design). It requires a blend of technical leadership, project management, and business development responsibilities, indicating a mid-to-senior level career progression. Reporting Structure: The Lighting Design Manager will report to a Director or similar senior management figure within Egis Group/Inhabit. They will, in turn, oversee and manage a team of lighting designers, delegating tasks and providing guidance. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the company's revenue and profitability by growing the lighting design business. Success in this role contributes to the company's reputation for high-quality, integrated design solutions, influencing client acquisition and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into a more senior leadership role, overseeing larger teams, multiple service lines, or expanding into new geographical markets.
Specialist Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in niche areas of lighting design, sustainability, or advanced simulation technologies through training and project experience.
Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Gaining broader knowledge and experience in other Inhabit disciplines (e.g., façade engineering, acoustics) to foster holistic project understanding and career diversification.
Business Unit Management: Developing advanced skills in strategic planning, financial management, and operational oversight for a specialized business unit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career growth from a senior technical contributor to a management and business development leader within a specialized operational segment of a large engineering group.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, suggesting a modern, professional office environment typical of international consulting firms in the region. This would likely include collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated areas for technical work and design software. Office Location(s): While specific office addresses are not detailed, the role is situated in Dubai, a major business hub in the Middle East, implying accessibility and a dynamic work environment. Travel to various work locations throughout the Middle East may be required.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Expect a culture that encourages interaction and knowledge sharing among design professionals across different disciplines.
Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard lighting design software, simulation tools, and project management platforms will be provided to support design and operational tasks.
Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with a team of lighting designers, as well as architects and other engineering specialists, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, with potential for flexible working arrangements for specific tasks, though core hours and project deadlines will need to be met. The role requires punctuality and effective time management, especially in client-facing activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is anticipated to be professional, international, and focused on delivering high-quality design solutions, with opportunities for collaboration and continuous learning.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess technical expertise, management experience, and alignment with business development requirements.
Technical Interview: Discussion focusing on lighting design principles, project experience, technical challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Candidates may be asked to present specific projects from their portfolio.
Management & Business Development Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management capabilities, client service approach, marketing and business development strategies, and financial acumen related to project profitability.
Case Study/Presentation: Candidates might be asked to present a detailed case study of a significant project, elaborating on their role, design process, challenges, and business impact, or to respond to hypothetical business growth scenarios.
Cultural Fit & Final Interview: Evaluation of cultural alignment with Inhabit and Egis Group, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving approaches, potentially with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Select Projects: Showcase a range of projects that best demonstrate your lighting design expertise, project management skills, and business development contributions.
Highlight Your Role & Impact: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, design decisions, and the impact of your work on project outcomes and client satisfaction. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., cost savings, efficiency improvements, client retention).
Showcase Process & Problem-Solving: Detail your design process, including how you approach client briefs, collaborate with other disciplines, and overcome technical or operational challenges.
Demonstrate Business Acumen: Include examples of your involvement in proposal preparation, client presentations, or initiatives that contributed to business growth or profitability.
Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, with clear descriptions and high-quality images or renderings.

Challenge Preparation:

Business Growth Strategy: Be prepared to discuss strategies for growing a lighting design consultancy, including market analysis, client acquisition tactics, and service differentiation.
Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing teams, resolving conflicts, mentoring junior staff, and improving team performance and collaboration.
Project Management Scenarios: Review common project management challenges (e.g., budget overruns, schedule delays, scope creep) and prepare to discuss your approach to mitigating them.
Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss complex lighting design challenges and your systematic approach to finding effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to heavily scrutinize both technical proficiency in lighting design and the candidate's ability to manage and grow a business unit, emphasizing practical application and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Lighting Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard lighting design and simulation software such as DIALux, AGi32, Relux, or similar platforms for creating lighting layouts, performing illuminance calculations, and visualizing lighting schemes.
CAD & BIM Software: Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, or other CAD/BIM software for creating detailed design documentation and coordinating with architectural and engineering models.
Project Management Software: Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or similar for planning, tracking, and managing project timelines, resources, and tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

Data Analysis Tools: Ability to use spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for data analysis, cost tracking, and performance reporting.
Presentation Software: Mastery of presentation tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for developing client proposals, project presentations, and internal reports.

CRM & Automation:

CRM Systems: Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for managing client interactions, tracking leads, and supporting business development efforts.
Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software names aren't listed, the nature of the role implies the need for expertise in specialized design software, complemented by robust project management and communication tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence in Design: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and technically sound lighting solutions that exceed client expectations.
Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and satisfaction through effective communication, responsiveness, and tailored solutions.
Collaboration & Synergy: Fostering a team environment where interdisciplinary knowledge sharing and collaboration are actively encouraged to achieve holistic project outcomes.
Continuous Improvement: A dedication to staying abreast of industry advancements, adopting new technologies, and refining processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and professional interactions.

Collaboration Style:

Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking to engage with architects, engineers from other disciplines, and clients to ensure seamless integration of lighting design within the broader project scope.
Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an open exchange of ideas and best practices within the lighting design team and across other departments.
Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to foster continuous learning and process improvement.
Results-Oriented Teamwork: Focusing on collective achievement of project goals and business objectives through coordinated effort and mutual support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is expected to blend technical expertise with a strong client service orientation and a collaborative, forward-thinking approach to design and business operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Market Competition: Navigating a competitive landscape for lighting design services requires continuous innovation and differentiation.
Client Expectation Management: Balancing client aspirations with technical feasibility, budget constraints, and project timelines.
Interdisciplinary Coordination: Effectively integrating lighting design with complex architectural and engineering requirements from various disciplines.
Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled lighting designers in a specialized field.
Adapting to New Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in lighting technology, smart systems, and sustainable design practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Lighting Design Techniques: Access to training and resources for mastering cutting-edge lighting design methodologies, including dynamic lighting, human-centric lighting, and advanced simulation techniques.
Business Management Skills: Opportunities to develop expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and operations oversight for a specialized business unit.
Industry Certifications: Support for pursuing professional certifications in lighting design (e.g., LC from IES, CIWFM) or project management.
Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining exposure to other engineering disciplines within Egis Group/Inhabit to broaden understanding of integrated design processes.
Leadership Development Programs: Participation in leadership training and mentorship programs offered by Egis Group to enhance management and strategic decision-making capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities for significant professional growth by tackling complex challenges and leveraging the resources of a global engineering group for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Business Growth: "How would you approach growing our lighting design business in the Middle East region over the next 3-5 years? What specific strategies would you employ for client acquisition and market penetration?"
Team Leadership: "Describe your experience in managing and mentoring a team of designers. How do you foster a collaborative environment and ensure high performance and quality output?"
Project Management & Quality: "Walk us through a challenging lighting design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you address them, and what was the outcome in terms of client satisfaction and profitability?"
Innovation & Technology: "How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in lighting design, and how would you integrate them into our service offerings?"
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate closely with architects or other engineering disciplines. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure successful integration?"

Company & Culture Questions:

Understanding Inhabit/Egis: "What do you know about Inhabit and Egis Group, and why do you believe your skills and experience are a good fit for our company culture and this role?"
Alignment with Values: "Our values emphasize design excellence, client focus, and collaboration. Can you provide examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles?"
Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to work within a team, and what is your approach to resolving conflicts or disagreements among team members?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your experience, followed by 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities.
Narrative Flow: For each project, tell a story: the client's brief, your design concept, the technical challenges and solutions, your role in managing the project, and the final impact (e.g., client satisfaction, awards, efficiency gains).
Quantify Achievements: Where possible, use data to support your claims – e.g., "Achieved a 15% reduction in energy consumption through optimized lighting design," or "Secured 3 new key clients resulting in a 20% increase in project pipeline."
Focus on Management & Growth: Emphasize your contributions to project management, team leadership, and business development aspects relevant to the Managerial role.
Engage the Audience: Make eye contact, speak clearly, and be prepared to answer questions about your design choices, management approach, and business strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical mastery in lighting design with strong operational management, business development, and leadership skills, backed by concrete examples from past projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lighting Design Manager position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the smartrecruiters platform.
Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your lighting design expertise, project management successes, and contributions to business growth. Ensure it includes specific examples of your leadership and client service.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant experience in lighting design, project management, business development, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description, such as "lighting design," "project management," "business development," "client satisfaction," and "team leadership." Quantify your achievements with metrics wherever possible.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience and approach to key responsibilities, particularly those related to growing the lighting business, managing projects profitably, and leading a team. Prepare to present specific project case studies that showcase your skills and impact.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Egis Group and Inhabit's work, values, and market presence. Understand their approach to design-led engineering and their global operations. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Lighting Design Manager