Director of Sales & Business Development – Private Markets

Director of Sales & Business Development – Private Markets

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sonata One

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships in the global private markets ecosystem.
  • Company: Join a rapidly scaling fintech company transforming private market investing.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, commissions, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture valuing innovation, diversity, and personal contributions.
  • Why this job: Be a strategic hunter shaping the future of private markets with innovative solutions.
  • Qualifications: Experience in private markets sales and strong network with decision-makers.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

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 an experienced professional 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

Director of Sales & Business Development – Private Markets employer: Sonata One

At Sonata One, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where innovation and diversity are at the forefront of our mission. Our employees enjoy industry-leading compensation, hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance, and ample opportunities for career development, all while contributing to a transformative vision in the private markets sector. With a strong emphasis on personal growth and community involvement, we ensure that every team member's contribution is valued and integral to our collective success.

Sonata One

Contact Details:

Sonata One Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Sales & Business Development – Private Markets

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the private markets ecosystem. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. Remember, it’s all about who you know!

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your knowledge of private market structures and workflows. This will help you stand out as a credible candidate.

Tip Number 3

Be a strategic hunter! Focus on building relationships with decision-makers like CFOs and Finance Directors. Tailor your conversations to address their specific needs and pain points, showing them how you can add value to their operations.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our vision. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of getting noticed and landing that dream role with us at Sonata One.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Sales & Business Development – Private Markets

Sales Strategy
Network Development
Client Acquisition
Stakeholder Engagement
Financial Acumen
Understanding of Private Markets
Complex Solution Selling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Sales & Business Development. Highlight your experience in private markets and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to engage with economic and technical buyers.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Sonata One. Share your passion for fintech and how your network can help us connect with top-tier General Partners and other stakeholders in the private markets ecosystem.

Showcase Your Network:Since this role is all about relationships, make sure to mention your established network within the private markets. Give examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders and decision-makers in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sonata One

Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the private markets ecosystem. Understand the key players, trends, and challenges. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your expertise to the interviewers.

Leverage Your Network

Since this role is all about relationships, think about how you can showcase your existing network. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with decision-makers in the past, and be ready to discuss how you can leverage these connections for Sonata One.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

This isn't a traditional sales role, so be prepared to discuss your strategic approach to acquiring new clients. Think about how you can position solutions at both strategic and operational levels, and be ready to share specific examples from your experience.

Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Given the financial nature of the role, brush up on your understanding of fund structures and operational workflows. Be ready to discuss how you can interpret and communicate financial value propositions to senior stakeholders effectively.