Operating Procedure Writer

ISU Research Park; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ISU Research Park is seeking an Operating Procedure Writer to develop, maintain, and standardize SOPs across our manufacturing-focused operations in Fort Dodge, IA. You will work with Operations and SMEs to ensure procedures are clear, accurate, and aligned with safety, quality, and production priorities.

You will translate complex processes into concise instructions, maintain document control, and support training materials and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Technical Writing, Communications, Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in manufacturing, plant operations, SOP development preferred.
• Ability to write clear, concise, accurate and easy-to-follow procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with SOPs, standardized work, process documentation, and document control.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and maintain Operating Procedures for plant operations.
• Ensure Standard Work remains connected to OPs.
• Plant-floor observation and validation; verify procedures reflect actual work.
• Collaborate with SMEs and employees to reflect safe and effective practices.
• Translate complex processes into clear, concise instructions.
• Regularly review OPs to stay accurate and up to date.
• Ensure OPs meet regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Maintain centralized OP library and document control.
• Develop and maintain standardized work checklists and supporting documents.
• Support training materials based on OPs and employee training.
• Identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in procedures.
• Assist with standardization across departments and locations.
• Support audits and verification activities; track development and deadlines.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Safety as needed.
• Manage multiple OP projects and prioritize effectively.

Skills

Technical writing

Clear communication

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Training development

Editing

Education

Bachelor's degree in English/Technical Writing/Communications/Manufacturing/Operations/Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The Operating Procedure (SOP) Writer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and standardizing Operating Procedures across the organization. This role works closely with Operations, subject matter experts (SMEs), and other stakeholders to ensure procedures are clear, accurate, practical, and aligned with company priorities of Safety, Quality, and Production.

The OP Writer will support operational excellence by documenting standard work, identifying opportunities for improvement, maintaining effective document control, and helping ensure employees are properly trained on applicable procedures.

Responsibilities and Tasks

Develop, write, and maintain Operating Procedures for plant operations and other applicable departments.

Ensure that Standard Work and Operating Procedures remain connected.

Plant-floor observation and field validation. Must be presented where the work being done. Validate the finished Operating Procedures against actual execution.

Work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) and employees to understand processes and ensure OPs accurately reflect safe and effective work practices.

Translate complex processes into clear, concise, and easy-to-follow instructions.

Conduct regular reviews of OPs to ensure they remain accurate, relevant, and up to date.

Ensure OPs are consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, company standards, and industry practices.

Establish and maintain effective document control for OPs, including revisions, approvals, and distribution.

Maintain a centralized library of current OPs and related documents to ensure employees have access to the correct versions.

Develop and maintain standardized work checklists and other supporting documents as needed.

Support the development of training materials based on OPs.

Work with Operations and other stakeholders to support employee training and understanding of OP requirements.

Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement in existing procedures and recommend appropriate changes.

Assist with standardization of processes across departments and plant locations where applicable.

Support audits and verification activities to ensure procedures are being followed and remain effective.

Track OP development, review, and completion to ensure priorities and deadlines are met.

Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Safety, and other stakeholders as needed.

Manage multiple OP projects while effectively prioritizing work and meeting deadlines.

Continuously look for opportunities to improve the clarity, consistency, effectiveness, and usability of company procedures.

Key Success Factors

Success in this position will be demonstrated by:

Completing OPs accurately and on schedule.

Establishing consistent and standardized procedures across operations.

Ensuring OPs are practical, easy to understand, and usable by employees.

Maintaining an accurate and controlled OP library.

Supporting effective training and implementation of new and revised procedures.

Identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, consistency, accountability, and operational performance.

Requirements

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in English, Technical Writing, Communications, Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Relevant manufacturing, plant operations, technical writing, or SOP development experience preferred.

Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, accurate, and easy-to-follow procedures.

Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document processes.

Familiarity with Standard Operating Procedures, standardized work, process documentation, and document control.

Familiarity with manufacturing or industrial terminology and processes preferred.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively with subject matter experts and cross-functional teams.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to understand and document technical processes and procedures.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Ability to adapt to changes in project scope, timelines, priorities, and deliverables.