vs X also plays a role of (job-function). My opinion is that "plays a role as" indicates a greater impact on the role and the company, whereas "plays a role of" is more "does the job". My old dictionary of English language haven't helped and a google search says the "of"-use is the most common, but is also mostly used differently than what I ...
The OED does, in fact, define "role" as a transitive verb in the fashion you are describing. role v. trans. -- To provide with a role indicator. Cited use: The presence of the connective merely ensures that the first word in the multi-word phrase is roled and stored. Program 1976.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language gives four definitions of role, the first of which is also rôle A character or part played by a performer. while the other three definitions (related to functions or characteristic behaviour) do not offer rôle. So for some people the circumflex indicates a particular meaning. Not for me.
meaning - What is the distinction between “role” and “rôle” [with a ...
prepositions - play a role as vs play a role of - English Language ...
What is the difference between job title and job role? For example, from the Google documentation on rich snippets: title — The person's title (for example, Financial Manager) role — The perso...
"Job title" vs. "job role" - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
If something or someone plays a part or plays a role in a situation, they are involved in it and have an effect on it. They played a part in the life of their community.