How a management development programme helped Tracerco build a stronger, smarter leadership team

Tracerco is a leading innovator providing essential insights to the world’s critical industries, using advanced tools, science and technology. With a commitment to safety and innovation, the company supports over 500 employees, across 20 bases in 16 countries, including 240 at its Teesside headquarters. The HR and Development (HR&D) team comprises nine professionals, including HR business partners, learning and development specialists and senior advisors, working collaboratively to support a culturally and legislatively diverse workforce. The team plays a critical role in aligning people strategies with business objectives and driving the development of its global talent pool.

Challenge

Following a change in ownership, Tracerco set an ambitious goal to double its revenue. Achieving this required a robust people strategy supported by accurate data and capable leadership. However, data from newly implemented HR and learning management systems showed that only 5% of people managers had undertaken management development in the previous five years. This revealed a wide variation in managerial experience, qualifications and leadership styles among the 108 people managers.

Given the organisation’s global presence and diversity, there was a clear need for a standardised management development programme. The goal was to ensure all people managers were equipped with consistent tools, skills and approaches to effectively lead their teams through organisational change and support long-term growth.

Solution

The HR&D team began by collaborating with business unit directors to ensure alignment with Tracerco’s growth strategy. Through analysis of HR and LMS usage data, and consultation with managers and senior leaders across regions, a consensus emerged that a universal management development programme was necessary.

The team explored options with various local training providers, ultimately partnering with Teesside University. Drawing on best practices and tailoring content to Tracerco’s needs, they co-designed a structured five-month professional development programme. This was shared with selected people managers to gather feedback and finalised with director approval – becoming mandatory for all people managers regardless of experience.

The programme comprised:

• 10 half-day modules delivered by Teesside University (including modules on leadership, communication and change management)
• 5 three-hour internal sessions led by Tracerco HR and finance teams on recruitment and performance management
• C-me behavioural assessments to create a shared language and enhance self-awareness.

Impact

The programme has significantly advanced Tracerco’s leadership capability and culture. Key impacts include:

• System adoption: manager usage of HR systems rose from 6% to 75%, improving decision-making, data accuracy and process efficiency.
• Performance improvements: teams led by trained managers achieved a dramatic increase in goal completion (pre-programme: 557 goals on-track, 245 incomplete; during/post-programme: 1,445 goals on-track, only 4 incomplete).
• Revenue growth: the business is £1m ahead of its revenue target, supporting the effectiveness of the wider growth strategy.
• Employee engagement: surveys before, during and after the programme showed increased engagement and confidence among managers. They report improved communication, leadership confidence and team support.
• Collaborative culture: cross-regional cohorts fostered stronger inter-departmental relationships and the sharing of best practices.