BA or PM? What to Do When You Can Only Hire One

BA or PM? What to Do When You Can Only Hire One

A question came up recently that is worth sharing: In a small organisation, is it more important to hire a Business Analyst or a Project Manager?

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Like many technology-related questions, the answer is: It depends.

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Unless you have the budget and workload to justify hiring both, you are often better off finding someone with the right mindset who can flex between the two roles.

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In my nearly 30 years managing technology projects and teams, I have seen firsthand that the line between BA and PM is not as rigid as some job descriptions make it out to be. A strong Business Analyst can step into project management duties, and a capable Project Manager can often shift into analysis and documentation when required. That kind of versatility is not just good for the business - it is great for their career too.

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Yes, the roles have their differences. A BA might not always love managing stakeholders or chasing deadlines, and not every PM thrives in the detail of systems analysis. But in a small organisation, you need someone who can do both - or at least grow into it.

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I have been lucky to work with people who can switch gears easily between analytical thinking and getting the job done. With the right support and attitude, this dual capability is entirely achievable.

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For small to medium-sized businesses, the answer is not to choose between a BA or a PM - it is to find someone who can wear both hats. Get that hire right, and everyone wins.

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