I doubt very much whether SQF will care as to the exact layout of yr WI. And logically therefore the Plant Manager also. There are examples on this forum of typical WIs (I think). Perhaps yr template already contains such info.
IMEX a WI tends to write itself since it usually mirrors the actual operation. A Procedure can require more thought since it can involve external inputs. Of course your "Procedure" may = your "WI".
Accordingly the only difficult part would appear to be deciding what particular process requires a WI.
As i understand the Plant Manager offered no guidance as to his preferred objectives. I also assume you are not personally expected to be familiar with the process.
Unless yr template offers decision criteria to assist or you have telepathic abilities, it frankly seems to me to be a rather ridiculous request.
If Uncertainty rules, i suggest to select/list a number of activities which you "guess" might be "priorities" and request the Plant Manager to offer a "comment". Even Plant Managers are expected to communicate.
I work for a consulting company who designs programs for food plants so they can pass audits and/or obtain BRC or SQF certification.
I was given a template of a WI an therefore I am not struggling with designing it from scratch.
My concern is, as you mentioned, finding WHAT steps in their manufacturing process would require a WI.
I have the plant HACCP plan process flow diagram showing the steps. I need to figure out which ones require WI's. Here are some questions I have:
Does "receiving ingredients", storing ingredients" require WI's?
I also have listed that HTST Pasteurization, Batch Pasteurization, Cream Cooling, Culturing, Metal Detection, Mixing, heating, Incubating, Blast Cooling all require WI's. Is that correct?
I am planning to speak with the plant manager tomorrow.