Anna’s Journey: Why Tracerco is a great place to work

At Tracerco, we don’t just offer jobs, we build careers, foster belonging, and create space for people to thrive. For Anna, our Commercial Contracts Manager in the Measurement Instruments Business Unit, that journey has been both personal and transformative.

Anna’s role at Tracerco is as unique as her path to it. “People are often surprised to learn that my role even exists within Tracerco,” she says. “It’s completely bespoke and only exists within the Measurement Instruments team.” Her work involves reviewing commercial bids and guiding them through to contract, ensuring clarity, compliance, and commercial value. It’s a role that demands precision, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of both legal and business contexts.

Anna’s career began with a Law and Management degree in Aberdeen, followed by a Master’s in International Commercial Law and MCIPS accreditation.

She started out as a Contracts Engineer, progressing to Team Leader at Tier 1 contractors and independent oil and gas operators, where she negotiated contracts across all areas of exploration and production.

She later became Contracts Manager and then UK Commercial Manager at Bibby Offshore, overseeing the commercial delivery of subsea and special projects.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna joined the UKHSA Test and Trace programme, eventually becoming Pillar Lead for Data and Analytics. One of her key projects involved placing contracts with regional water companies to monitor and track outbreaks via wastewater. It was high-impact, fast-paced work, but when the programme transitioned into steady state operations, Anna made a conscious decision to step away and take a sabbatical.

“I didn’t want to move into steady state work,” she explains. “I’d just relocated back to the North East and wanted to take some time at home.” That pause led to a pivotal moment, an event in Newcastle where the idea of joining Tracerco first came up. “It felt like the right fit, and it gave me a chance to bring my experience into a new environment.”

One of Anna’s most meaningful experiences since joining Tracerco was being part of the first cohort of the Management Development Programme. “I’ve always said I’m not naturally a people person,” she admits. “But that programme helped me connect with colleagues in a new way. Before it, I was questioning whether I really belonged here. Through it, I started to see myself not just as someone doing a job, but as a Tracerco employee.”

Anna’s favourite part of her role might surprise you. “Drafting contractual terms,” she says with a smile. “I know it sounds niche, but I genuinely enjoy shaping them to achieve the right outcomes, and I’m always looking for ways to do it better.” Her passion for precision is matched by her commitment to continuous improvement.

The skills Anna uses daily, attention to detail, analytical thinking, interpretation, collaboration, and a drive for improvement, are central to her success. “It’s about spotting the small things that could have big consequences, breaking down complex information, and working closely with others to make sure everything aligns. And I’m always asking, ‘How can we do this better?’”

For those considering a similar career, Anna offers thoughtful advice: “Be curious. Ask questions. Never assume. People sometimes think questions are awkward, but I see them as part of being a problem solver. They help you understand, challenge, and grow.”

Outside of work, Anna has a hidden talent that might surprise her colleagues: baking. “After a bit of a push, I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a baker,” she laughs. “It’s my way of switching off and doing something completely different.”

And if she could swap jobs with anyone? “David Attenborough,” she says without hesitation. “Exploring the natural world and telling its stories, that would be incredible.”

Join us at Tracerco

Anna’s story is a powerful example of what makes Tracerco a great place to work: the freedom to grow, the support to belong, and the opportunity to do meaningful work in a role that fits. Whether it’s through bespoke positions, development programmes, or simply creating space for people to be themselves, Tracerco is more than a workplace, it’s a place where careers and confidence flourish.

Explore opportunities with us and discover why Tracerco is more than just a workplace, it’s a place where your story can unfold.

Read more about the values that guide us at Tracerco.