When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for commercial manager
Explore additional commercial manager cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Senior Commercial Manager
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises 8 years of experience in the FMCG sector and accomplishments such as enhancing profitability by 20%, which align directly with the Senior Commercial Manager role.
- Demonstrating Skills in Action: Demonstrates key skills such as stakeholder management, negotiation, data analysis, and project management through specific achievements like securing a £2M contract, optimising sales strategies, and spearheading cross-functional teams.
- Showcasing Industry-Related Education: The educational background including an MBA in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from reputable institutions supports the candidate’s expertise in commercial strategy and leadership roles.
- Certifications and Courses: Inclusion of industry-relevant certifications such as 'Certified Commercial Sales Professional' and 'Diploma in Retail Management' enhances credibility and specialised knowledge for the role.
Junior Commercial Manager
- Relevant Experience Highlighted: The cover letter effectively emphasises the candidate's 2 years of experience in the commercial insurance sector, which is crucial for a Junior Account Manager role.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The letter includes specific metrics such as a 15% improvement in client retention rates and a 20% boost in team efficiency, demonstrating tangible successes.
- Skill Alignment: It showcases skills in Excel and policy administration, aligning well with the job requirements and proving the candidate's capability in essential areas.
- Certifications and Additional Courses: Mentioning the CISR certification and advanced Excel course accentuates the candidate's dedication to professional development and expertise in client communication and data management.
By Role
Commercial Project Manager
- Specific Achievements: Highlighting an increase in team productivity by 25% and revenue growth by 20% showcases effective leadership and the ability to drive business success.
- Skills and Tools: Demonstrating proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools aligns well with the organisational and analytical demands of project management roles.
- Cross-functional Leadership: Emphasising experience in leading cross-functional teams and facilitating meetings reduces inter-departmental conflicts, reflecting a strong ability to manage diverse groups.
- Passion for Industry-Changing Innovation: Demonstrating a genuine interest in technology innovation and environmental sustainability resonates with potential employers who value forward-thinking and eco-friendly practices.
Commercial Finance Manager
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: Effectively showcases leadership and strategic capabilities through specific achievements, such as leading a pricing strategy that improved gross margins by 15% and mentoring for increased bid success.
- Quantifying Impact: Emphasises quantifiable results, such as a 20% increase in profitability through initiatives and a £2 million annual cost-reduction, demonstrating a clear, measurable impact on business success.
- Educational and Professional Credentials: References advanced qualifications in finance and certifications from CIMA and ACCA, relevant to a high-level finance role, underscoring a commitment to professional development.
- Skill and Passion Alignment: Aligns skills in financial modelling and stakeholder engagement with a passion for sustainable technologies and cultural exploration, indicating a proactive approach to integrating values with professional objectives.
Commercial Operations Manager
- Emphasising Relevant Experience: Alfie's cover letter effectively highlights over 10 years of experience in commercial operations and strategy, which demonstrates his credibility and suitability for the role.
- Showcasing Specific Achievements: The cover letter details measurable outcomes, such as reducing overstock by 35% and increasing clearance sales by 22%, underlining Alfie's impact and contributions in his previous roles.
- Highlighting Key Skills: Alfie lists essential skills such as data analysis, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration, which are critical for a Commercial Operations Manager position.
- Educational Background and Continuous Learning: The inclusion of relevant education, like an MBA and specific courses, underscores Alfie's commitment to professional development and his theoretical understanding of the field.
Commercial Property Manager
- Highlighting relevant experience: Amelia emphasises her extensive experience in healthcare property management, particularly with a focus on financial analysis and improving tenant satisfaction, which is critical for a Commercial Property Manager role.
- Quantifying achievements: By showcasing specific metrics like a 20% increase in tenant satisfaction and a 15% rise in portfolio NOI, the cover letter effectively demonstrates tangible successes and potential value to future employers.
- Focusing on strategic skills: The letter underscores key skills such as financial analysis, budget design, and vendor management, all of which are pertinent to the demands of a Commercial Property Manager role in healthcare facilities.
- Showing educational background: The detailed educational history in Business Management and Real Estate Finance, paired with relevant courses, highlights Amelia’s academic foundation critical for excelling in the property management sector.
Commercial Relationship Manager
- Highlight specific certifications like "Chartered Financial Analyst Level 1" to establish recognised standards in ethical and professional behaviour within the financial industry.
- Emphasise achievements such as the "Sales Excellence Award 2022" which demonstrates a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and expanding client bases.
- Incorporate key skills like "Client relationship management" and "Negotiation" to solidify expertise in interacting positively with clients and achieving successful financial advice outcomes.
- Mention involvement in industry initiatives, such as the "Pioneered financial advisory initiative," to highlight leadership and innovation in developing forward-thinking financial solutions.
Commercial Risk Manager
- Emphasise how specific certifications, such as the Chartered Insurance Institute course, are relevant, demonstrating expertise in commercial lines and risk management strategies.
- Highlight achievements related to client retention and satisfaction, as these underscore the ability to maintain and enhance client relationships, a critical skill for a Commercial Account Manager.
- Discuss experiences and skills in negotiating insurance programs, showcasing the capacity to offer clients cost-saving solutions while improving coverage, which is pivotal in enhancing client value.
- Mention the successful implementation of systems and process improvements that led to increased efficiency, highlighting an ability to innovate and streamline operations.
Commercial Sales Manager
- Focus on Achievements: The cover letter effectively emphasises key achievements such as increasing regional sales by 35% and closing high-value contracts, highlighting results-oriented contributions relevant to a commercial managerial role.
- Relevance of Experience: It skilfully outlines relevant experience in strategic market expansion and client relationship management, which are crucial for a Commercial Manager role focused on business development and growth.
- Specific Skills Highlighted: Key skills such as negotiation, strategic planning, and market research are prominently featured, aligning with the primary responsibilities expected of a Commercial Manager.
- Industry-Specific Education: By showcasing an MSc in Construction Management, the cover letter affirms the applicant's specialised knowledge applicable to roles within the construction sector.
Commercial Procurement Manager
- Highlight Relevant Industry Experience: The cover letter clearly outlines Edward's extensive experience in procurement and commercial management specifically within the renewable energy sector, which directly aligns with the role.
- Showcase Tangible Achievements: By highlighting quantitative achievements such as a 20% cost reduction and project delivery improvements, the cover letter effectively exhibits Edward's ability to drive results and add value to an organisation.
- Emphasise Leadership Skills: The mention of leading teams and acting as an interim Head of Procurement underscores Edward's leadership capabilities, essential for a managerial role.
- Detail Relevant Education and Certifications: Listing a Master's degree in Commercial Management and certifications like PRINCE2 provides credibility and demonstrates commitment to professional development in procurement and contracting.
Commercial Contracts Manager
- Emphasise Specialised Experience: Highlight specific achievements such as improving contract efficiency by 30% at Bosch UK, which demonstrates expertise in streamlining processes and aligning with industry expectations for a Commercial Contracts Manager.
- Showcase Language Skills: Emphasise fluency in English and French, aligning with international communication needs and adding value in mobility solutions across diverse markets.
- Professional Education & Continuous Learning: Mention advanced qualifications like a Master's in Business Administration from a reputable institution, complemented by relevant courses like 'Advanced Contract Management' to establish credibility and a commitment to professional growth.
- Evidence Results and Client Satisfaction: Use quantifiable achievements such as a 95% satisfaction score to illustrate a proven ability to exceed client expectations and successfully resolve service-level disputes.
Commercial Business Development Manager
- Highlighting Experience: The inclusion of a detailed career history demonstrates the applicant's progression and expertise in business development and partnership roles, which is essential for a Commercial Business Development Manager position.
- Emphasising Achievements: Specific achievements like revenue growth and successful tender submissions showcase the applicant's ability to contribute positively to the company's financial goals and strategic objectives.
- Education and Training: Mentioning relevant educational qualifications and specialised courses, such as a Master of Business Administration and Advanced Negotiation Strategies, supports the applicant's professional credibility and readiness for complex business environments.
- Passion for Sector: Sharing passions related to the role, such as a strong interest in digital health innovations and active participation in community health awareness programmes, can distinguish the applicant as both committed and aligned with industry advancements.
Commercial Strategy Manager
- Highlighting Key Achievements: The cover letter effectively underscores key accomplishments, such as the 20% revenue growth at Aviva, showcasing the candidate's ability to significantly impact business outcomes through strategic planning.
- Emphasising Relevant Skills: Skills such as SQL, Python, and Tableau are prominently featured, aligning with the data-driven nature of the role and demonstrating proficiency in critical technical areas.
- Demonstrating Industry Experience: The cover letter details the candidate's progressive career in insurance, from data analysis at Zurich Insurance to a management role at Aviva, illustrating a deep understanding of the industry and relevant experiences.
- Education and Continuous Learning: The inclusion of degrees and courses in data science and analytics supports the candidate’s expertise and commitment to staying current in a rapidly evolving field.
Commercial Portfolio Manager
- Emphasising achievements in revenue growth and tenant satisfaction, providing tangible examples showcases the candidate's effectiveness in enhancing property performance.
- Inclusion of a detailed career summary highlights key skills like financial analysis and operational strategy, directly applicable to commercial real estate management roles.
- Highlighting relevant educational background such as a Master of Science in Real Estate underlines the candidate's formal training tailored to the industry.
- Demonstrating proficiency in market analysis and Microsoft Excel underscores the candidate's ability to conduct comprehensive financial and market assessments, crucial for informed decision-making in property operations.
Commercial Supply Chain Manager
- Experience and Achievements: Highlighting significant accomplishments, such as a 15% cost reduction for a UK energy project and proactive supply chain risk management saving £1.5 million annually, demonstrates the candidate's expertise and success in the supply chain field.
- Leadership Skills: Emphasising leadership capabilities, such as leading a team to achieve a 20% reduction in procurement costs and boosting team productivity by 40%, showcases the candidate’s ability to manage and motivate teams effectively.
- Specialised Knowledge and Certifications: Mentioning relevant courses and certifications, such as Advanced Procurement Strategies from CIPS, and Risk Management in Supply Chains from Lloyd’s Register, underscores specialised expertise beneficial for strategic supply chain management.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrating success in facilitating collaboration, such as integrating supply chain processes to achieve significant project milestones, indicates the candidate's ability to work well with diverse teams across functions.
Commercial Marketing Manager
- Industry-Specific Certifications: Highlighting the "Pharmacy Leadership Excellence Certification" from the Pharmaceutical Marketing Society is specifically persuasive, showcasing specialised expertise relevant to pharmacy marketing.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Mentioning specific metrics, such as increasing pharmacy engagement by 30% or a 28% rise in product sales, effectively demonstrates past success and potential impact on future roles.
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively ties extensive experience in top pharmaceutical companies like Boots UK, GlaxoSmithKline, and AstraZeneca, lending credibility and relevance to the applicant's background.
- Innovation and Strategy Focus: Clearly presenting a focus on commercial strategy and innovation is essential for roles that require strategic planning and forward-thinking approaches to marketing within the healthcare sector.
Commercial Product Manager
- Highlighting significant achievements, such as the 25% increase in revenue through leading the design and launch of a new travel insurance product, showcases the candidate's ability to drive substantial business growth in the travel insurance sector.
- Emphasising expertise in product governance and compliance management, demonstrated by the implementation of governance processes resulting in a 30% reduction in compliance risks, is crucial as these are key components of the Product Specialist role.
- Showing a proven track record in operational efficiency, such as the 40% improvement in claims handling efficiency, indicates the candidate's capacity to enhance internal processes, leading to increased customer satisfaction in product management roles.
- Mentioning a passion for exploring emerging markets and developing entry strategies aligns well with roles that require market analysis and expansion, essential for identifying new growth opportunities in travel insurance.
Commercial Account Manager
- Emphasising experience in SaaS sales and client relations, which are crucial for a Commercial Account Manager role, highlighting over 8 years of expertise in these areas.
- Showcasing data-driven decision-making skills, relevant courses, and practical application within previous roles, which are valuable for strategic account management and optimising client solutions.
- Highlighting successful negotiation and upselling achievements, such as leading contract renewals and generating additional sales revenue, which demonstrate the ability to drive growth and client retention.
- Including specific advanced training, such as the "Advanced Negotiation Skills" course from Harvard Business School, to confirm further specialised skill development applicable to the role.
Commercial Quality Assurance Manager
- Regulatory Compliance Achievements: Emphasising accomplishments in improving compliance rates and the implementation of new processes, showcasing an understanding of the regulatory landscape which is crucial for a Quality Assurance role.
- Operational Leadership and Team Management: Highlighting experience in leading teams to surpass performance metrics and KPIs, reinforcing leadership effectiveness and strategic alignment crucial for the managerial aspect of the role.
- Problem-Solving and Process Improvement: Underlining skills in root cause analysis and optimisation of existing processes, which are critical for maintaining high-quality standards and efficiency in operations.
- Education and Professional Development: Differentiating through advanced degrees in Quality and Business Management, as well as pertinent courses in QA techniques and regulatory compliance, illustrating a commitment to professional growth and expertise in the field.
Commercial Compliance Manager
- Specialised Certifications: Highlighting the Certificate in Financial Compliance, which underscores Sienna's deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance vulnerabilities, is crucial for a Compliance Manager role.
- Demonstrated Efficiency Improvements: Emphasising Sienna's ability to enhance audit process efficiency by 30% and lead cost-saving programmes is valuable, showcasing their impact on reducing costs and improving operational effectiveness.
- Leadership in Risk Mitigation: Mentioning the successful coordination of cross-functional teams and improvement of issue resolution processes, which strengthened stakeholder trust and risk mitigation efforts.
- Strong Track Record: Showcasing a zero compliance breach record over three consecutive years highlights Sienna's strong commitment to maintaining regulatory standards and enhancing firm reputation.
Commercial Manager cover letter example
Charlotte Powell
London, UK
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Commercial Manager position at your esteemed organization. Your commitment to innovation and strategic growth strongly resonates with my professional ethos and my desire to contribute to impactful projects.
In my current role at Infrastructure Solutions Ltd., I led the negotiation and management of contracts exceeding £15M, significantly boosting revenue by 12% year-over-year. My strategic approach to contract management, coupled with a focus on cost control, allowed me to enhance operational efficiency by 30% and improve cash flow by 25%. These achievements underscore my ability to drive financial performance and operational excellence.
I am eager to bring my skills in commercial contract management, project finance, and supplier engagement to your team. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with your company's goals. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your continued success.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Powell
Senior Commercial Manager
Reasons this cover letter is successful:
- Quantifiable Achievements: Clearly demonstrate impact by quantifying achievements, such as leading negotiations of high-value contracts and boosting revenue and operational efficiency. This type of detail is crucial for a Senior Commercial Manager role to show measurable results.
- Role-Specific Expertise: Highlight specific skills related to cost control, contract management, and financial performance, which are essential for senior-level roles in commercial management.
- Alignment with Company Goals: Express a clear connection with the company’s mission or values, showing that you’ve done your research and see a symbiotic relationship between your professional goals and the company’s objectives.
- Focus on Strategic Growth: Emphasize experience in strategic growth initiatives, which demonstrate a forward-thinking approach necessary for a leadership position in commercial management.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.
Here are some reasons why it matters:
- Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
- Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
- Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
When writing your cover letter for a UK employer, it’s important to keep several things in mind. First, you need to conduct a thorough research, which includes reading up on the company’s website, recent news, and their presence on social media. Understanding the company’s latest achievements and its overall mission will allow you to tailor your letter to their specific needs.
Next, focus on the company’s core values. Whether they value teamwork, innovation, or community involvement, highlighting how your own experience aligns with these principles is essential.
Finally, don’t forget to match your skills to the job’s requirements. Study the job description carefully and pick out the most important qualifications or competencies. Then, provide evidence of how you meet those criteria with concrete examples from your past work experience.
How to format a commercial manager cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your commercial manager cover letter salutation
First impressions often start with the greeting and in the case of your job application, 'Dear Sir or Madam' simply won't suffice.
Find out who’s hiring for the role—by calling or emailing the company, searching online, or using LinkedIn—and address them correctly.
Generally, you should address them by their surname (e.g., 'Dear Mrs Weasley'), but if you've spoken to them before, you might use their first name (e.g., 'Dear Albus').
How to write your commercial manager cover letter intro
It's never a bad time to show enthusiasm about the role, company, or team in your cover letter introduction.
Begin by sharing one or two aspects that genuinely excite you about the position—whether it's the company culture, specific responsibilities, or the team's past achievements.
Your enthusiasm demonstrates that you'll bring a strong work ethic, are eager to contribute, and are motivated to succeed.
Cover Letter Intro
Having closely followed Greenfield Ventures' inspiring commitment to sustainable business practices and innovative market strategies, I am eager to bring my extensive experience in commercial management to your esteemed team and contribute towards our shared goals.
RIGHT
How to write your commercial manager cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure as Commercial Manager at XYZ Retailers, I spearheaded a pivotal project that optimised the company's supply chain processes. Faced with increasing logistical expenses that significantly impacted our profit margins, I identified and implemented a strategic restructuring of our supplier agreements and transportation logistics. Through detailed data analysis and negotiation, we realised a cost reduction of 25%, equating to an annual saving of £1.5 million. This initiative not only enhanced operational efficiency but also improved supplier relationships, thereby strengthening our market positioning. My success in this project underscores my skills in strategic planning and negotiation, coupled with a strong analytical prowess, all of which I am eager to bring to your esteemed company.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
In conclusion, I am eager to bring my expertise in commercial management to your esteemed company and contribute positively to your continued success. I am confident that my skills and strategic vision are well-aligned with your business goals. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can support your team in achieving outstanding results. Thank you sincerely for considering my application. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team and contributing to your company's future growth.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Creating a compelling cover letter is vital in making a positive first impression on potential employers. Personalise your letter by addressing the hiring manager directly and ensuring your skills align with the job description.
Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the role, and express genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Finally, maintain a professional format that complements your CV for a cohesive application.
