Job Description

Join the team making real Growth Happen

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation is Nova Scotia's development agency focusing on the food sector. Our mission is to support success, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia's agriculture, seafood and food and beverage sectors. That means our team of bright, engaged specialists are always learning, always evolving, and always ready to take on a new challenge.

So, what are you waiting for? Come Grow with us.

We are seeking a results-driven, strategic professional, to join our highly collaborative team as a

Nova Scotia Loyal Distribution Specialist

. This 12-month term position, with the possibility of extension, will work closely with our partner, the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.

Nova Scotia Loyal (NSL) is an economic development program promoting local growers, harvesters, crafters and manufacturers to create a steady, loyal demand for local products so Nova Scotia businesses can grow and thrive.

NSL is creating a movement so we can all be more thoughtful about the way we spend our dollars - building demand for and consumption of local products to put more money directly into the hands of local producers while ensuring government spends more money at home.

The Nova Scotia Loyal Distribution Specialist will support provincial efforts to enhance the distribution of Nova Scotia agri-food, beverage and seafood products across retail, restaurant and institutional markets. This role will strengthen the local food supply chain by identifying distribution gaps and assets, supporting producers, and maximizing awareness and adoption of the NSL program throughout the supply chain.

As the Nova Scotia Loyal Distribution Specialist, you will work closely with the Manager of Institutional Procurement and other government and industry partners to scan and analyze the current distribution landscape, identify areas for improvement, and develop initiatives that better connect local producers to markets. Your work will play a critical role in supporting equitable and efficient access to retail, restaurant, and institutional opportunities for producers of all sizes.

Preference for this position is to be located in or near our Truro or Kentville office locations. Hybrid work model is an option. Please note any preference in your application. Some travel for internal meetings will be required.

Principal Responsibilities:

Conducting a province-wide scan and mapping of existing distribution assets, including transportation providers, aggregators, food hubs, cold storage facilities, and logistics networks Analyzing distribution infrastructure to identify underutilized clusters or regions with potential to better support food producers Identifying gaps in distribution across the province and developing practical, collaborative solutions to improve market access for smaller producers Supporting the development of regional aggregation models to help small producers with lower volumes access larger markets Working directly with producers to understand distribution-related challenges and opportunities, particularly for those not currently using third-party logistics providers Engaging stakeholders across the supply chain to increase awareness, understanding, and adoption of the NSL program Preparing detailed communication materials that inform decision-making and promote distribution improvements

Requirements and Competencies

:

You have a bachelor's degree and experience in a relevant field such as supply chain management, agriculture, food systems, or logistics, along with a minimum of three years of related experience. An equivalent combination of skills and experience may be considered.

You are a strategic thinker with strong research and analytical skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with government and industry representatives. You're a confident communicator and relationship-builder with a keen understanding of distribution systems and local food networks. You are highly organized and self-motivated, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines without day-to-day supervision. You have a positive attitude to effectively represent Perennia and its values Have a 'can-do' attitude when working with colleagues and clients

Assets that will strengthen your application:

Knowledge of Nova Scotia's food sector and food distribution landscape Experience in logistics, supply chain mapping, or food systems planning Familiarity with food safety regulations, traceability systems, and recall procedure Understanding of the challenges faced by small-scale producers in accessing broader markets Experience working with or within government and industry organizations Comfort with GIS tools, data visualization platforms, or asset mapping software


Perennia offers a competitive compensation package which includes base salary, extended health care benefits, RRSP contribution match, and professional development opportunities

To apply for this exciting position at Perennia, please email a combined PDF or Word

cover letter

and

resume

noting compensation expectations, experience in seafood, agriculture or food processing and a potential start date by noon on October 7, 2025, to:

careers@perennia.ca

Only those candidates who move on to the interview phase will be contacted.

Perennia is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Ability to commute/relocate:

Kentville, NS B4N 2N1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):

Describe yourself in three (3) words
Willingness to travel:

25% (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kentville, NS B4N 2N1