What is a project management steering committee?

What is a project steering committee?

A steering committee plays the role of both leader and follower: they lead by aligning the project’s objectives with the overall business strategy, and they follow the feedback and communications between the project team and other stakeholders. Both of these tasks ensure that everyone is informed and aligned with the project’s progress.

The composition of a project steering committee typically includes:

• Executive stakeholders: Senior leaders such as investors and the board of directors who have a direct interest in the project’s success.
• Project managers: The individuals who are responsible for day-to-day project operations, and routinely check in for updates.
• Subject Matter Experts (SME): Individuals with specialized knowledge relevant to the project. They may be on staff or hired freelancers and consultants.

Roles of a steering committee

While project managers lead teams to accomplish daily tasks and key milestones, the steering committee oversees these project managers and teams to crucial decisions. This includes approving project plans, budgets, and resolving major issues that may arise during the project lifecycle. The committee also assesses potential risks and challenges, developing strategies to mitigate them.

Grow a business

Use free apps and tools from microsoft for your small business and side gig.

Learn more

Over the many weeks or months of a project, a steering committee can also lose focus. That’s why it’s important for a steering committee to schedule regular meetings to discuss progress reports and check off milestones. At these meetings, steering committees can also advocate on behalf of their project teams for additional resources and initiatives.

Examples of project steering committees

Project steering committees can be found in every major industry, and across organizations big and small:

Information Technology (IT) projects

On a daily basis, IT is tasked with maintaining the security and accessibility of an organization’s data. However, major projects may arise from time to time: the need to upgrade equipment or try out additional software is not usually a task that’s taken lightly. That’s where a steering committee comes in: this group might include the Chief Information Officer (CIO), project managers, and representatives from various departments (such as human resources) impacted by the project.

Construction projects

For construction companies, the steering committee may be tasked with creating proposals in order to secure new contracts. Once these projects are secured, the steering committee will work to organize the development of a new construction project via the teams it oversees. This committee will involve executives, project managers, architects, safety officials, and client representatives. This diverse group ensures that the project meets quality standards, stays within budget, and satisfies the client’s requirements.

Software projects

A company wants to update the user interface of its most popular software. In order to successfully implement this deliverable on time and without bugs, this project will require the creation, design, and testing of new software within the deadline. This steering committee will advise the project team with recommendations and suggestions based on feedback from SMEs. It may include executives from project management, IT, cybersecurity, and marketing departments.

The collaborative nature of a project management steering committee brings diverse perspectives, continuous oversight, and a sense of responsibility and commitment. While the decision-making process isn’t always easy, you can find tips to help your team work more smoothly—whether it’s balancing motivation and discipline, prioritizing projects, or harnessing AI to create detailed project timelines.