Toimeksiantaja

Toimeksiantaja is a Finnish term used in contracts and business to designate the party that issues an assignment or mandate to another party. The word stems from meaning to assign or authorize a task.

In practice, the toimeksiantaja is the client or customer who commissions work, defining the scope, objectives, timeline, and compensation in a contract known as a toimeksiantosopimus or service contract. The recipient of the assignment is typically a service provider, contractor, consultant, or subcontractor who performs the agreed tasks. Depending on context, these performers may be referred to as suorittaja, toimeksiannon saaja, or alihankkija.

The concept is common across contexts such as outsourcing, consulting, construction, information technology projects, and temporary staffing. In procurement and project management, the toimeksiantaja bears primary responsibility for specifying requirements, accepting results, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and safety standards. The exact rights and duties are defined by the contractual agreement and may cover payment terms, intellectual property, confidentiality, deadlines, and quality criteria.

Etymology and related terms: The term derives from the verb toimittaa or toimeksiantaa, meaning to assign a task. Related terms include toimeksiantosopimus (mandate or service contract) and, in procurement contexts, tilaaja or asiakkaat (customer/ client).