AIM Lead (46908)

## Description

## Position Summary

The Authorized Internal Monitor (AIM) Lead serves as the primary leader and subject matter expert for the Ground Beef Guardian Program. This position is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the program through monitoring, verification, documentation, training, communication, and continuous improvement activities in accordance with USDA requirements and a general understanding of master solicitation of commodity procurement associated with the program contracted as well as the specified requirements and specifications.

The AIM Lead must possess strong leadership qualities, professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to take control of situations professionally and effectively when necessary. This individual serves as a trusted representative of the program and is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, ethics, and operational excellence.

The Ground Beef Guardian Program is built not only upon USDA requirements but also upon our facility's commitment to trust, excellence, accountability, and doing the right thing at all times. The AIM Lead is expected to exemplify these values through daily actions, objective evaluations, and professional communication.

This position requires an individual who can work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining productive working relationships with USDA personnel, management teams, production employees, and support departments. The successful candidate will possess the confidence and professionalism necessary to identify concerns, communicate findings, and ensure corrective actions are completed effectively.

## Qualifications

## Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily activities of the Ground Beef Guardian Program.
• Promote a culture of food safety, regulatory compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate leadership and professionalism during routine operations and challenging situations.
• Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making while maintaining objectivity.
• Conduct monitoring, observation, and verification activities throughout the facility.
• Verify compliance with USDA regulations, facility procedures, and Ground Beef Guardian Program requirements.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records.
• Identify and document non-conformances, deficiencies, and compliance concerns.
• Communicate findings to plant management clearly, objectively, and professionally.
• Maintain proficiency in all USDA AIM certification requirements.
• Train, mentor, and develop AIM Technicians and designated facility personnel.
• Communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

## Required Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain USDA AIM certification.
• Successfully pass the USDA AIM certification examination with a score of 90% or higher.
• Ability to maintain knowledge and proficiency associated with AIM certification requirements.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency using computers, iPads, electronic databases, and reporting portals.
• Demonstrated commitment to professional conduct, ethical behavior, integrity, and accountability.

## Preferred Qualifications

• Beef processing industry experience.
• Knowledge of USDA regulatory requirements and inspection programs.
• Knowledge of USDA organizational structure and regulatory branches.
• Experience in food safety, quality assurance, auditing, verification, or compliance programs.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.

## Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to work in refrigerated production environments.
• Ability to work schedules that may include up to six (6) days per week based on business needs.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.

## Behavioral Expectations

• Integrity beyond compromise.
• Ethical decision-making.
• Professionalism under pressure.
• Leadership through example.
• Accountability for actions and decisions.
• Respectful and constructive communication.
• Trustworthiness and confidentiality.
• Attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Courage to identify and communicate difficult issues when necessary.

## Ground Beef Guardian Program Values Statement

The Ground Beef Guardian Program is founded upon Trust, Integrity, Accountability, and Excellence. Team members assigned to this program are expected to consistently demonstrate ethical decision-making, objective evaluation, professional communication, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing at all times. Program Motto: "We Do the Right Thing—Always."