SOPer

SOPer is a term that has no single, universally acknowledged definition. In general, it is used as a label for someone who creates or maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within organizations, or as an informal name for software tools or projects focused on SOP authoring and management.

When used to describe a role, SOPers are responsible for drafting clear, actionable procedures, aligning them with regulatory and quality requirements, coordinating with subject matter experts, and maintaining version control and training materials. They often work in industries that rely on formalized processes, such as manufacturing, healthcare, laboratory operations, information technology, and the public sector. Core activities include process mapping, risk assessment, document control, change management, and auditing support.

In other contexts, SOPer can refer to a software tool, platform, or project designed to streamline SOP creation, repository management, review workflows, and distribution across an organization. The term is informal and its exact scope varies between organizations and communities. Because SOPs are foundational to quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and regulatory compliance, the role or tool labeled as SOPer is generally linked to governance, knowledge management, and operational consistency.

See also: Standard Operating Procedure, Quality management, Document control, Process improvement, Knowledge management.