Assessment criteria — Senior Manager, Operations

Evaluation criteria 27

• 01Performs to standard: Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.52
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 02Performs to standard: Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.32
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 03Performs to standard: Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.3
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 04Performs to standard: Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.24
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 05Performs to standard: Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.17
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 06Performs to standard: Implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.14
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 07Performs to standard: Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a company or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.13
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 08Performs to standard: Direct or coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.13
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 09Performs to standard: Direct human resources activities, including the approval of human resource plans or activities, the selection of directors or other high-level staff, or establishment or organization of major departments.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.13
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 10Performs to standard: Appoint department heads or managers and assign or delegate responsibilities to them.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.09
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 11Performs to standard: Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.09
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 12Performs to standard: Review reports submitted by staff members to recommend approval or to suggest changes.

  O*NET task · observed · IM 4.07
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 13Effectiveness at: Supervise employees.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 14Effectiveness at: Conduct employee training programs.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 15Effectiveness at: Implement organizational process or policy changes.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 16Effectiveness at: Evaluate employee performance.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 17Effectiveness at: Develop organizational policies or programs.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 18Effectiveness at: Confer with organizational members to accomplish work activities.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 19Effectiveness at: Hire personnel.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 20Effectiveness at: Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 21Effectiveness at: Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 22Effectiveness at: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 23Effectiveness at: Resolve customer complaints or problems.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 24Effectiveness at: Prepare operational budgets.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 25Effectiveness at: Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 26Effectiveness at: Maintain operational records.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

• 27Effectiveness at: Direct financial operations.

  O*NET work activity · observed
  Rating frame (5-point BARS)

  5 · Exceeds

  — rating anchor pending —

  3 · Meets

  — rating anchor pending —

  1 · Below

  — rating anchor pending —

  Rating anchors are completed by the rater against observed behavior — leveled anchor text lands with the next source edition.

Performance standards at this level 21

What good looks like at this level, by dimension — verbatim level and JFM rubric text, with this profile's performance metrics attached where a real keyword match exists. Work activities are O*NET-derived (basis: derived).

• Scope

  canon · level dimension · observed

  A function or department

• Autonomy

  canon · level dimension · observed

  Owns area strategy and budget

• Complexity

  canon · level dimension · observed

  Strategic priorities and cross-functional alignment

• Impact

  canon · level dimension · observed

  Function-level results

• Decision rights

  canon · level dimension · observed

  Owns strategy, budget, and org design for the area

• Leadership

  canon · level dimension · observed

  Leads managers; sets direction for the function

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Supervise employees.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Conduct employee training programs.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Implement organizational process or policy changes.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Evaluate employee performance.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Develop organizational policies or programs.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Confer with organizational members to accomplish work activities.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Hire personnel.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Develop operating strategies, plans, or procedures.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Analyze data to inform operational decisions or activities.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Resolve customer complaints or problems.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Prepare operational budgets.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Maintain operational records.

• Work activities

  O*NET work activity · derived

  Effectiveness at: Direct financial operations.

Structured-interview dimensions

The work-style constructs a structured interview for this occupation should probe (importance-ranked). Pair with past-behavior questions and anchored rating scales — the evidence-backed format.

Level-calibrated behavioral anchors 9

Verbatim anchors from open leveled frameworks, mapped onto this profile's level (basis: derived — competency-scoped, not per-criterion). Use them to calibrate what "exceeds / meets" looks like at this level.

• Seeing the Big Picture

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Understand the strategic drivers for your area of work. Align activities to contribute to wider organisational priorities. Remain alert to emerging issues and trends which might impact your work area. Seek out and share experiences to develop knowledge of the team’s business area. Understand how the strategies and activities of the team create value and meet the diverse needs of all stakeholders.

• Changing and Improving

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Work with others to identify areas for improvement and simplify processes to use fewer resources. Use technology where possible to increase efficiency. Encourage ideas for change from a wide range of sources. Clearly explain the reasons for change to colleagues and how to implement them, supporting individuals with different needs to adapt to change. Encourage an environment where colleagues know that they can challenge decisions and issues safely. Take managed risks by fully considering the varied impacts changes could have on the diverse range of end users.

• Making Effective Decisions

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Understand own level of responsibility and empower others to make decisions where appropriate. Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and external sources to support decisions. Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making. Display confidence when making difficult decisions, even if they prove to be unpopular. Consult with others to ensure the potential impacts on end users have been considered. Present strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks.

• Leadership

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Ensure colleagues and stakeholders have a clear understanding of objectives, activities and time-frames. Take into account different individual needs, views, and ideas, championing inclusion and equality of opportunity for all. Consider the impacts of own and team’s activities on stakeholders and end users. Role-model commitment and satisfaction with role. Recognise and praise the achievements of others to drive positivity within the team. Effectively manage conflict, misconduct and non-inclusive behaviour, raising with senior managers where appropriate.

• Communicating and Influencing

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact. Encourage the use of different communication methods, including digital resources and highlight the benefits, including ensuring cost effectiveness. Ensure communication has a clear purpose and takes into account people’s individual needs. Share information as appropriate and check understanding. Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same. Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests.

• Working Together

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Encourage joined up team work within own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders. Collaborate with these to share information, resources and support. Invest time to develop a common focus and genuine positive team spirit where colleagues feel valued and respect one another. Put in place support for the wellbeing of individuals within the team, including consideration of your own needs. Make it clear to all team members that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable. Actively seek and consider input of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

• Developing Self and Others

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Identify capability gaps for self and team. Ensure development objectives are set and achieved to address any gaps and enable delivery of current and future work. Take time to coach, mentor and develop other colleagues to support succession planning. Promote inclusiveness by respecting different personal needs in the team and use these to develop others. Reflect on own work, continuously seek and act on feedback to improve own and team’s performance.

• Managing a Quality Service

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Develop, implement, maintain and review systems and services to ensure delivery of professional excellence. Work with stakeholders to set priorities, objectives and timescales. Successfully deliver high quality outcomes that meet the customers’ needs and gives value for money. Identify risks and resolve issues efficiently. Involve a diverse range of colleagues, stakeholders and delivery partners in developing suggestions for improvements. Establish ways to find and respond to feedback from customers about the services provided.

• Delivering at Pace

  UK Civil Service Success Profiles · HEO and SEO or equivalent

  Show a positive approach to keeping the whole team’s efforts focused on the top priorities. Promote a culture of following the appropriate procedures to ensure results are achieved on time whilst still enabling innovation. Ensure the most appropriate resources are available for colleagues to use to do their job effectively. Regularly monitor your own and team’s work against milestones ensuring individual needs are considered when setting tasks. Act promptly to reassess workloads and priorities when there are conflicting demands to maintain performance. Allow individuals the space and authority to meet objectives, providing additional support where necessary, whilst keeping overall responsibility.