Free Startup SOP Template

Startup SOP

1. Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to outline the standard procedures and responsibilities for managing the daily operations of [Your Company Name], ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance with legal and industry standards.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all departments within [Your Company Name], including but not limited to operations, finance, marketing, human resources, and customer service.

3. Responsibilities

CEO: Oversees all operations, ensures strategic alignment, and approves significant decisions.
Operations Manager: Manages daily operations, implements this SOP, and ensures compliance.
Finance Manager: Manages financial transactions, budgeting, and reporting.
HR Manager: Handles recruitment, employee relations, and compliance with labor laws.
Marketing Manager: Oversees marketing strategies, campaigns, and brand management.
Customer Service Manager: Manages customer inquiries, complaints, and satisfaction.

4. Procedure

4.1 Daily Operations

4.1.1 Start of Day Checklist
- Ensure all systems are operational and updated.
- Review and assign daily tasks to team members.
- Conduct a brief team meeting to align on priorities.
4.1.2 Task Management
- All tasks must be logged in the project management tool ([Tool Name]).
- Prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact.
- Regularly update task statuses and provide feedback to team members.

4.2 Financial Management

4.2.1 Budgeting
- Develop and review the monthly budget with the Finance Manager.
- Approve all expenses over $1,000 with the CEO.
- Monitor cash flow and adjust budgets as necessary.
4.2.2 Invoicing and Payments
- Issue invoices to clients within 2 business days of service completion.
- Follow up on unpaid invoices every week.
- Ensure all vendor payments are processed according to contract terms.

4.3 Human Resources

4.3.1 Recruitment
- Post job openings on [Job Board Name(s)].
- Conduct initial screening of candidates within 5 business days of application.
- Schedule interviews with the HR Manager and department heads.
4.3.2 Employee Onboarding
- New employees must complete all onboarding documents within their first week.
- Schedule orientation sessions to familiarize new hires with company policies and procedures.

4.4 Marketing and Branding

4.4.1 Campaign Planning
- Develop quarterly marketing plans, including objectives, target audience, and key strategies.
- Present the marketing plan to the CEO for approval before execution.
4.4.2 Social Media Management
- Schedule daily posts on [Social Media Platforms].
- Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages within 24 hours.
- Monitor and report on social media performance weekly.

4.5 Customer Service

4.5.1 Inquiry Management
- Respond to customer inquiries within 24 hours.
- Log all customer interactions in the CRM system ([CRM Tool Name]).
4.5.2 Complaint Resolution
- Investigate and resolve customer complaints within 3 business days.
- Escalate unresolved issues to the Customer Service Manager.

5. Compliance and Reporting

5.1 Legal Compliance
- Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal laws.
- Review and update compliance documents annually.
5.2 Reporting
- Prepare a monthly report on operations, including key metrics, challenges, and achievements.
- Submit the report to the CEO by the 5th of each month.

6. Review and Continuous Improvement

6.1 SOP Review
- Review this SOP annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
- Make updates as necessary and communicate changes to all staff.
6.2 Feedback Loop
- Encourage employees to provide feedback on this SOP to the Operations Manager.
- Use feedback to improve processes and enhance operational efficiency.