Commercial Managing Director - Legal Services in London

Sonata One is a rapidly scaling, regulated fund services and technology (fintech) business. We are 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, 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 Managing Director – Legal to join our global team.

Position Overview

As Managing Director – Legal, you will be a senior commercial leader responsible for driving business growth while expanding our services offered within our current clients. You will play a central role in shaping the firm’s commercial strategy and strengthening client relationships. This is a senior commercial role, and a key leadership position with direct impact on revenue and client experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy for growth across existing and emerging markets, identifying new revenue opportunities and partnership channels for our legal services offering.
• Be responsible for pipeline growth, and own a revenue target to deliver ARR increase YoY.
• Act as the face of our Legal Services function, in the US and Europe, promoting and growing our business through building new relationships and generating leads within our target client base.
• Work with the Managing Director of Global Growth to strengthen and expand relationships with clients, investors, intermediaries, and strategic partners.
• Shape and articulate the firm’s value proposition in alignment with regulatory excellence and market expectations.
• Work with the heads of delivery and Chief Operating Officer on product and service development to ensure commercial scalability, operational efficiency, and competitive positioning.
• Represent the business externally—industry events, regulators, partners—enhancing brand presence and market credibility.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the operational legal and commercial team members to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Champion a culture of commercial agility, innovation, and accountability.

This role will require background checks including police checks due to the regulated nature of our business and access to confidential data.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience at Managing Director or senior commercial/executive level in financial services, fintech, funds, or payments.
• Experience selling legal software/legal administrative services.
• Commercial experience within the Private Markets.
• A strong network within the top 250 fund managers globally, and demonstrable contacts at these firms.
• Demonstrable track record in business development, client relationship leadership, or commercial strategy.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical capability, and executive presence.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and engage at board level.

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.