We are seeking an experienced Head Designer / Lead Architect to lead the architectural and design activities for food processing and manufacturing facilities in Estonia.
The role has full responsibility for concept-to-permit-to-build design delivery, acting as the primary technical interface between the project organisation, multidisciplinary engineering teams, local Estonian building authorities, and regulatory bodies.
The position requires strong technical competence in industrial/food-grade buildings, deep familiarity with local permitting and compliance processes, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder environments in a regulated industry.
Key Responsibilities
Design Leadership & Technical Authority
- Act as overall design authority for architectural scope across food production, processing, packaging, cold storage, and utility buildings
- Lead the development of concept, basic, and detailed design in line with project requirements, food safety standards, and client specifications
- Coordinate architectural design with process, mechanical, electrical, automation, and HSE disciplines
- Ensure layouts support hygienic zoning, material flows, personnel flows, and future expandability
Regulatory & Authority Interface (Estonia)
- Serve as the primary contact point with local municipalities, building authorities, and permitting agencies in Estonia
- Manage and coordinate building permit applications, design approvals, and authority reviews
- Ensure full compliance with:
- Estonian Building Code and Planning Act
- Fire safety regulations (Päästeamet requirements)
- Environmental and noise regulations
- Local zoning, land-use, and planning constraints
- Lead technical discussions, clarifications, and revisions requested by authorities
Food Industry Compliance
- Ensure architectural designs align with food industry regulations and standards, including:
- Hygienic design principles
- GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirements
- Cleanability, segregation, and material selection
- Coordinate layouts to support audits by food safety authorities and certification bodies
Project & Team Management
- Lead and mentor internal and external designers, architects, and BIM teams
- Manage design schedules, deliverables, and interfaces across multiple project phases
- Review and approve drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical documentation
- Support procurement and construction teams with technical clarifications and site queries
Contractor & Construction Support
- Provide architectural support during construction, including:
- Design clarifications
- Review of shop drawings and as-built documentation
- Technical input to change management
- Participate in site inspections and coordination meetings as required
Required Qualifications
- Degree in Architecture or equivalent (Master’s preferred)
- Licensed Architect or eligible for recognition in Estonia (EU qualification preferred)
- Minimum 10–15 years’ experience in industrial or complex building projects
- Proven experience in food, FMCG, pharmaceutical, or clean industrial facilities
- Demonstrated experience working directly with Estonian building authorities
Technical & Professional Skills
- Strong knowledge of:
- Industrial building design
- Food-grade construction and hygienic zoning
- Fire and life safety design
- BIM-based design coordination
- Solid understanding of Estonian permitting, planning, and approval processes
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across international project teams
- High level of written and verbal communication skills