Key Roles

As the Project Manager you are tasked with delivering the entire project. However, apart from the simplest of projects, you cannot succeed on your own. Establishing good working relations with other key players is vitally important. Normally, as a minimum a project will require

Sponsor(s)

Stakeholder(s)

Customer(s)

Supplier(s)

Project Manager

Key Team Member(s)

Note : Ensure that all the people understand their roles, what is expected of them and when and ask them to formally commit/buy-in to the project requirements. Make sure that you can trust your core team members. Remember the saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer still"

It is important to understand the roles that these people play. Always draw up a list of the people that might be able to help you. Enthusiastic members of the team should always be encouraged to motivate others.

Sponsor

This is usually (but not always) the project initiator. This person will add to the teams authority and is the most senior team member. This person will usually help set the objectives and constraints

Stakeholder

Someone who has a vested interest or is affected by the outcome of the project. This person may only need to be involved from time to time and may move out of the team once his/her contribution is complete.

Customer

Can be an internal or external person who will benefit from the change(s) brought about by the project. The Customer can strongly influence the objectives of the project and will determine how its success is measured.

Supplier

The supplier can provide materials, products and services to carry out the project. As would be expected a supplier could become very involved and supportive of the project. It is important that the supplier delivers on time and provides the right goods and services at the agreed price

Project Manager

The Project Manager has the overall responsibility for successfully delivering the projects objective(s). He/She needs to ensure that a detailed schedule (plan) is in place and being worked to. The PM needs to be a key motivator of the team. Team development is equally important. The PM is the pivotal communicator, providing project information to the team, key stakeholders and other interested parties.

Key Team Member

Usually assists the Project Manager by providing technical expertise and is directly responsible for the project being delivered on time and within budget. Key Team Members include the Project Planner, Cost Controller, Accountant etc.

Team Member

This person may be a full or part time member of the project. A Team Member usually takes responsibility for delivery of one or more activities within the schedule. Sometimes a team member may fulfil a specialised role, such as a consultant.