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.

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.

The meaning of “role” in the sense of “part played by a person in life” derives from French roll (of paper) on which an actor's part is written, and dates back to c.1600.

meaning - What is the origin of the phrase "play a part/role ...

0 role= a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process We usually say-- play 𝗮𝗻 important role, play 𝗮 vital role, 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲, play 𝗮 prominent role, play 𝗮 major role etc. role= an actor's part in a film or play He plays 𝘁𝗵𝗲 role of a shopkeeper.

meaning - What is the distinction between “role” and “rôle” [with a ...

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 ...