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Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

Knowledge of and ability to design, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures affecting daily and strategic business operations in order to increase operational efficiency.

Behavior Statements

Proficiency Level 1 - Basic understanding

Identifies key features and functions of standard operating procedures.

Explains usage of standard operating procedures in business operations.

Describes main issues and considerations when using standard operating procedures.

Compiles current research relevant to standard operating procedures.

Proficiency Level 2 - Working experience

Assists in establishing a standard operating procedure based on workflow and environment review.

Tracks deviations from and modifications to existing SOPs in business operations.

Reviews the efficiency of standard operating procedures in terms of performance improvement.

Adjusts SOPs according to changes in organizational and industry procedures.

Ensures compliance with industry standards, regulations and policies.

Proficiency Level 3 - Extensive experience

Designs a standard operating procedure, detailing steps and activities, within a department.

Evaluates the causes behind deviations from and modifications to existing SOPs.

Monitors the relationship between SOPs and performance improvement (e.g. quality improvement).

Optimizes complex SOPs according to changes in organizational procedures.

Evaluates the benefits and drawbacks of industry-specific SOPs.

Integrates best practices into the design, implementation and evaluation of organizational SOPs.

Proficiency Level 4 - Subject matter depth and breadth

Leads in designing industry-wide standard operating procedures.

Plays a leadership role in evaluating the efficiency of SOPs in business operations.

Creates a system or a process to improve the efficiency of SOP implementation.

Predicts the growth of SOPs across a wide range of industries.

Provides insights into industry-specific SOPs.

Monitors industry for SOP trends; makes recommendations to the organization accordingly.

Interview Questions

  • What are common problems that occur in departmental SOP design?
  • How did you evaluate the efficiency of standard operating procedures in terms of performance improvement?
  • Describe your experience with SOP implementation within a department.
  • Evaluate the relationship between SOPs and performance improvement.
  • How did you optimize SOPs according to changes in organizational procedures?

Titles with Shared Competencies