Director of Sales & Business Development – Private Markets

Sonata One is a rapidly scaling, regulated fund services and technology (fintech) business.  We're The Private Funds Clearinghouse, connecting more than 53,000 investors with 6,500 funds and 180 fund managers around the globe. Our vision is to change the paradigm of private markets investing through harmonising the end-to-end investment process within one platform. Investors benefit from a seamless, one & done experience across the fund lifecycle (from fund selection and subscription through to settlement and reporting) underpinned by a globally compliant KYC passport and 24/7 support. Fund managers can raise capital faster at a lower cost from a wider pool of pre-approved investors.  Founded in 2015, Sonata One has a presence in eight locations worldwide including the US, UK and Luxembourg, Guernsey, South Africa and Mauritius.    

We operate as #OneGlobalThread in line with our values: We challenge the norm, we change the way we think and work, by connecting systems and people, while committing to our vision and each other. We are now looking to recruit a Director of Sales & Business Development to join our global team. 

Position Overview: 

We are hiring a senior, network-led commercial professional to acquire new logos across the global private markets ecosystem. 

While the primary focus will be on top-tier General Partners, this role also spans a broader client base including private credit platforms, real asset managers, venture capital firms, secondaries investors, and fund-of-funds. 
 

This is not a traditional sales role. You will operate as a strategic hunter, leveraging an existing network across private markets to engage both economic and technical buyers including Group Financial Controllers, CFOs, Finance Directors, Heads of Operations, Head of Compliance, Investor Relations and Finance Transformation leaders. 

You will play a critical role in shaping how private markets participants across fund managers and adjacent structures, adopt next-generation infrastructure, driving standardisation, efficiency, and liquidity across the ecosystem. 

Responsibilities  

Proven track record selling into the private market’s ecosystem, including but not limited to:  

• General Partners (GPs) across private equity, private credit, real assets, and venture capital  

• Mid-market and emerging managers  

• Secondaries investors and platforms  

• Fund-of-funds and multi-manager platforms  

• Institutional investors (LPs) including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and asset managers (where relevant to fund operations and infrastructure)  

• Private markets service providers, including fund administrators, custodians, and outsourced finance providers  

Established network across senior stakeholders within private markets, with demonstrable access to decision-makers across both fund managers and the wider ecosystem  

Demonstrated ability to engage and close with:  

• Technical buyers (Fund Operations, Finance Transformation, Middle Office, Fund Accounting, and Systems/Technology stakeholders)  

• Economic buyers (CFO, Group Financial Controller, Finance Director, Operating Partner level)  

• Experience selling complex, high-value solutions such as financial infrastructure, fund administration, data platforms, or fintech solutions into sophisticated financial institutions  

• Strong understanding of how different participants across private markets interact operationally (GP–LP relationships, fund administrators, intermediaries), and where inefficiencies or friction points exist 
   

Commercial Profile 

• True “hunter” mentality with a relationship-first approach  

• Established track record in selling to economic buyers across private markets

• Strong commercial judgement and experience structuring enterprise-level deals  

• Ability to position solutions at both strategic and operational levels  
   

Strong understanding of:  

• Private markets fund structures (LP’s and GP’s)  

• Operational workflows across finance, middle office, and fund administration  

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate financial and operational value propositions to senior stakeholders  

• High level of commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to engage in value-based and ROI-driven discussions 

 
Personal Attributes 

• Highly credible with senior finance stakeholders  

• Strong presence and ability to operate as a peer to client leadership  

• Naturally network-driven with a reputation in the market  

• Intellectually curious with a strong understanding of private markets structures and workflows 

Compensation:

• Industry leading base salary
• 10% commissions on all sales, payable in monthly instalments, starting month 1 from deal completion

Qualifications:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field (preferred but not essential with relevant experience)  

• Advanced qualifications such as ACA / ACCA / CFA / MBA are advantageous, particularly for credibility with senior finance stakeholders  

Being part of Sonata One provides a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values innovation and diversity. We believe in the power of our unique mission and we all work together towards that one single goal. We also believe in being real. We’re not a big corporate. Everyone has an important role to fulfil, and your contribution will be an integral part of our success story.    

 Benefits:    

• Life Insurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones  

• Income Protection – Financial support when you need it most  

• Hybrid Working – Supporting work/Life Balance  

• Annual Leave – With extra days that grow the longer you’re with us  

• Pension Scheme – Employee matched helping you plan confidently for the future  

• Employee Assistance Program – Confidential, 24/7 support for life’s ups and downs  

• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Adoption Leave – Because family matters  

• Career Training & Development – Ongoing learning opportunities to help you grow  

• Paid Volunteering Day – Take time to give back to causes you care about  

• Cycle to work Scheme – Employees can benefit from significant tax savings on bicycles and cycling equipment