Lighting Designer / Operator - Theme Parks/Events

Role Overview

Lighting Designer / Operator for SIHAMCO at The Groves, a destination attraction in Riyadh. The role combines creative lighting design with technical management to shape guest experiences across theme park and hospitality environments.

Company Overview

SIHAMCO is a hospitality and entertainment organization operating premium destinations including The Groves within Riyadh Season.

Role Purpose

Create captivating visual environments through lighting design and technical operation that enhance architecture, landscaped gardens, public spaces, restaurant facades, walkways, and indoor venues. Shape how guests experience the destination from day to night, creating memorable moments and elevating atmosphere across every concept.

Key Responsibilities

Lighting Design & Creative Direction

• Develop and implement creative lighting concepts that enhance the identity of The Groves and each individual venue.
• Design lighting schemes for building facades, landscaped gardens, water features, pathways, public gathering spaces, retail areas, and restaurant exteriors.
• Create immersive lighting experiences that transform spaces throughout the day and night.
• Design dynamic lighting scenes for seasonal activations, festivals, special events, and entertainment experiences.
• Ensure lighting complements architectural features while creating visually striking guest environments.

Entertainment & Venue Lighting

• Design lighting concepts for live performances, entertainment shows, and restaurant experiences.
• Program and oversee dynamic lighting sequences for performances and special events.
• Work closely with entertainment, production, creative, and operations teams to deliver cohesive guest experiences.

Technical Management

• Oversee installation, commissioning, programming, and calibration of lighting systems.
• Ensure lighting control systems are programmed for daily operations and scheduled activations.
• Manage Avolites, architectural lighting controls, show lighting systems, and smart lighting technologies.
• Review lighting layouts and ensure installations meet design intent.

Site Operations

• Conduct routine inspections of all indoor and outdoor lighting installations.
• Monitor lighting quality, consistency, and performance across the destination.
• Identify opportunities to improve lighting effects, energy efficiency, and operational performance.
• Coordinate repairs, replacements, upgrades, and preventative maintenance.

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Develop preventative maintenance schedules for lighting equipment.
• Maintain inventory of lighting fixtures, accessories, spare parts, cabling, and control equipment.
• Report damaged or faulty equipment and coordinate timely replacement.
• Ensure lighting assets remain in excellent working condition.
• Repair fixtures and fittings.

Health & Safety

• Ensure all lighting installations comply with safety standards and electrical regulations.
• Supervise safe installation practices during new projects and seasonal activations.
• Maintain documentation relating to maintenance, inspections, and compliance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with architects, landscape designers, interior designers, project managers, and external consultants.
• Support contractors during installation and commissioning phases.
• Train and supervise lighting technicians where required.
• Stay informed on emerging lighting technologies and recommend innovative solutions that enhance guest experience.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Lighting Design, Architectural Lighting, Theatre Production, Electrical Engineering, Entertainment Technology, or a related discipline.
• 5–8+ years' experience in architectural or entertainment lighting design.
• Previous experience within theme parks, destination attractions, luxury resorts, entertainment venues, public spaces, or hospitality developments is highly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of architectural, landscape, façade, and experiential lighting.
• Experience with intelligent lighting systems, Avolites, show control systems, and architectural lighting controls.
• Ability to interpret architectural drawings, lighting plans, and technical documentation.
• Strong knowledge of lighting fixtures, optics, colour temperatures, beam angles, and control technologies.
• Experience managing lighting installations from concept through execution.
• Excellent creative vision combined with strong technical problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Additional Information

• Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards and experience.
• Visa (1 year temp) and flights into the country for non-citizens.
• Accommodation provided.
• Transportation Allowance.
• Career development and internal promotions across departments and seasons.
• Creative and collaborative work culture built on passion, innovation, and attention to detail.
• Exposure to high-end hospitality and entertainment concepts with experience in premium food and beverage and entertainment.
• Experience working on premium events within The Groves, Riyadh Season.
• Cultural diversity with a team of passionate professionals from around the world.