Many leaders wrestle with the timing and importance of bringing the right people onto a project. Which roles are truly necessary? When should they join? What title will they give them?
It all comes down to the art of effective resourcing—or, as I like to call it, “rocking the role.” In other words, shaping the role to fit the project to make sure things actually get done.
But that raises another question: What does a role really mean? And for that matter, how much does a title actually matter?
I often say we as project managers tend to fall into the “other duties as assigned” category on job descriptions anyway!
The Right Roles at the Right Time
Project management is a unique—and often complicated—field. That’s why you’ll see so many different project roles out there. Nearly every business tackles projects to hit their business goals, so these roles crop up everywhere.
But it’s worth asking: are project management roles sometimes overhyped? Well, both yes and no!
I’ve noticed a big shift in how organizations operate, especially in the last few years. Now, more than ever, companies really need skilled project management professionals. These experts help ease the pressure on the team and ensure there’s a solid game plan in place.
Sometimes these experts come with big fancy titles such as Project Delivery Manager, Project Governance Lead, VP of Project Delivery, Strategic Project Manager, and Project Execution Lead.
However, it’s important to note that many roles don’t include the word “project” in their titles, yet are directly leading projects. And I would argue these individuals are often more important than those with the fancy project titles.
However, it’s important to note that many roles don’t include the word “project” in their titles, yet are directly leading projects. And I would argue these individuals are often more important than those with the fancy project titles.
Project Roles Galore
Here’s some examples of job roles that do not contain the word project:
- Product Manager
- Operations Manager
- Team Lead
- Scrum Master
- Release Manager
- Implementation Manager
- Engagement Manager
- Business Analyst
- Delivery Manager
- Account Manager
- Portfolio Manager
- Program Manager
- Campaign Manager
- Event Manager
- Creative Producer
- Change Manager
- Team Coordinator
- Transformation Lead
- Site Manager
- Client Success Manager
- Clinical Trial Manager
- IT Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Studio Manager
- Workshop Facilitator
- Engineering Lead
Yes, ALL of these roles are involved in managing projects! It’s quite a list—who knew there were so many?
Every one of these roles plays a key part in making a project successful. Depending on the size and style of the business, one person might juggle multiple hats, or there might be a dedicated pro for each job. It all comes down to what the company really needs—and how they like to get things done.
Project roles play a crucial part in keeping everyone moving in the same direction. They rally the team, maintain focus, and help weather the inevitable ups and downs every project brings.
Focus on impact and outcome, not on having “project” in the job title.
Let’s rock those project roles to get stuff done!
With 20+ years project management experience, Barbara Kephart has led projects across industries like medical software, clinical trials, and cybersecurity. With experience teaching technical project management and stakeholder engagement, Barbara is dedicated to helping companies pivot, prioritize, and complete projects with Chief Project Officer-level expertise, project professionals, practical training, and hands-on management—without the executive-level price tag.