Project Toolkit

Project Roles

Project Roles

Overview of the key project roles - Project Sponsor, Executive, Senior User and Senior Supplier - and how they fit into the project governance structure.

Project Roles

Every project needs clear accountability. The roles below define who decides, who pays, who uses the product, and who builds it. Getting these right at startup is one of the most reliable predictors of project success.

The Core Roles

Role Represents Primary Concern
Project Sponsor The organisation funding the project Business outcomes and benefits realisation
Executive The business case Value for money and viability
Senior User The users and beneficiaries Fit for purpose and usability
Senior Supplier Those delivering the product Feasibility and integrity of the solution

How the Roles Relate

flowchart LR S[Project Sponsor] --> E[Executive] E --> SU[Senior User] E --> SS[Senior Supplier] SU --> PM[Project Manager] SS --> PM E --> PM classDef blue fill:#108BB9,stroke:none,color:#fff class S,E,SU,SS,PM blue

The Project Sponsor secures funding and champions the project at executive level. The Executive chairs the Project Board and is ultimately accountable for success. The Senior User and Senior Supplier sit on the Board alongside the Executive, ensuring user and delivery interests are represented in every decision.

Project Board Composition

The Project Board is made up of three roles:

Board Role Accountability
Executive Overall success, business case, value for money
Senior User User requirements met, benefits realised
Senior Supplier Solution delivered to specification

The Project Sponsor is sometimes the same person as the Executive, especially in smaller organisations. In larger or programme-aligned projects, the Sponsor sits above the Board, providing strategic backing.

Common Pitfalls

Pitfall Impact Mitigation
Unclear sponsorship Decisions delayed, project drifts Confirm sponsor in writing at mandate stage
Senior User too junior Requirements compromised Appoint someone with authority to commit users
Missing Senior Supplier Delivery risks underestimated Identify supplier representative early
Roles held by same person Conflicts of interest Separate roles where independence matters
Absent Executive No project direction Document decision-making delegation

Choosing the Right People

When appointing to these roles, consider:

  • Authority - Can they make decisions and commit resources?
  • Availability - Will they have time for the project?
  • Knowledge - Do they understand the business area or solution?
  • Credibility - Will others respect their decisions?
  • Commitment - Do they actively want the project to succeed?
Last updated: 18 May 2026
Themes

Governance

Stakeholder Engagement