About the role

Kernel is growing and we’re building the operating system behind how investing works at scale.

We’re looking for a Head of Investment Platform & Operations to lead and evolve the engine room of Kernel’s investment offering. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring our Managed Investment Schemes (MIS) and direct investing platform operate accurately, efficiently, and within regulatory boundaries - while being designed to scale.

This role combines deep expertise in investment operations with a strong systems and technology mindset. You’ll own how Kernel’s investment platform actually functions day‑to‑day, while shaping the operating model that supports new products, partners, and market expansion.

About Kernel

We're a 100% Kiwi owned and operated fintech on a mission to make wealth accessible for every Kiwi. Our investment platform takes the guesswork out of investing – offering KiwiSaver, Managed Funds, US shares & ETFs, and Smart Saver accounts, all in one place with some of the lowest fees in the market.

We're at an exciting stage. Scaling fast, expanding our team of globally experienced financial professionals, and building the foundations for what's next. Our culture is collaborative, hands-on and ambitious – built on trust, innovation and saying it like it is. We value diverse perspectives, empower individuality, and believe the best ideas come from thinking together.

Things move quickly here, and every person plays a key role in shaping our future.

What you’ll do

• Own and continuously improve end‑to‑end Managed Investment Scheme (MIS) operations

• Ensure accuracy, control, and reliability across all investment and fund processes

• Lead the financial operational infrastructure underpinning Kernel’s direct investing platform, including registry, settlement, reconciliation, and broker relationships

• Build a scalable, automation‑first operating model that reduces manual effort and operational risk

• Own and manage relationships with external partners including supervisors, fund administrators, custodians, and brokers

• Lead the operational delivery of new funds, products, brokers, and markets

• Ensure strong operational controls, audit outcomes, and regulatory confidence

• Identify and manage operational and regulatory risks early

• Build and lead a high‑performing investment operations function as Kernel scales

• As a member of the senior leadership team, contribute to company‑wide decision‑making and execution

You’ll be great if you bring

• Strong experience in managed fund operations, MIS administration, investment operations, custody, or regulated investment platforms

• Working knowledge of direct investing platforms, including registry, brokerage operations, or settlement

• A clear understanding of how investment products are administered end‑to‑end

• Proven experience managing external partners in regulated environments

• A track record of improving systems, processes, and operating models

• A strong systems mindset - able to connect workflows, data, and outcomes

• Comfort operating in ambiguity and building structure as the business scales

• Leadership capability with the confidence to set standards and hold accountability

Bonus things you could bring along to the role

• Experience scaling investment operations in a high‑growth or fintech environment

• Exposure to automation, data, or AI‑enabled operational tooling

• Experience supporting new product launches or market expansion

• Background working closely with technology or engineering teams

Why You’ll Love it at Kernel

• Shape investment products in a way no other fintech in New Zealand is approaching, connecting everyday financial goals with intuitive and customer centric design.

• Contribute to a platform trusted by tens of thousands of Kiwis, helping them feel more confident and in control of their money.

• Join a team built on trust, collaboration, and flexibility, where feedback is constructive and everyone has a voice.

• Competitive compensation package

• Enjoy the best of both worlds with a flexible hybrid setup, connect in person while keeping the freedom to work from home up to couple of days each week (minimum 3 days/week in the office).

• Health insurance, parental leave top-up, and professional development support

• Extra staff holidays, office snacks, coffee, and a dog-friendly environment

Join our team

Not sure you meet every requirement? We encourage you to apply. We value growth, impact, and mindset just as much as specific experience. If this opportunity sounds like you, send us your cover letter explaining why you’re excited about the role and working at Kernel, along with your CV.

Visit our careers page for more on working at Kernel and follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram. to stay connected.