To my understanding, project champions (PCs) solely aim to complete the goal by addressing different obstacles. Also, they will make sure that their stakeholders are always on track and satisfied with the project. Many people tend to say that PC is an informal role, since it is a temporary position allocated to ensure the project life cycle flows smoothly.
Whereas, project managers (PMs) is a formal role to ensure the assigned project can lead to execution from the inception. The authorities of this role tend to be more than PC, given this role was allocated and assigned by the management/clients.
The Project Manager is a formally assigned person responsible for managing everything related to the project - goals, milestones, budget, etc. Project management is its job description.
The Project Champion can be anyone excited to work on the project, walks and talks positively and with enthusiasm about the project goals, tasks, milestones, etc. It is an "excellent advocate" of the project that makes people either excited to participate in the project or positively inclined to view the project within the organisation.
A Project Manager and a Project Champion are both roles associated with project management, but they have different responsibilities and functions within a project.
A Project Manager is responsible for the overall planning, execution, monitoring, and control of a project. Their primary focus is on managing the project's scope, schedule, budget, quality, and resources.
A Project Champion, also known as a Project Sponsor, is a senior-level individual who acts as an advocate and supporter of the project within the organization. Their role is to provide guidance, resources, and support to the Project Manager and the project team.
In summary, the Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of the project, while the Project Champion provides strategic guidance, support, and advocacy for the project at a higher organizational level. Both roles are crucial for the successful completion of a project, with the Project Manager focusing on operational aspects and the Project Champion providing overall leadership and support.