About the role

Kernel is growing and we’re looking for a Graphic & Motion Designer to help take our brand to the next level! This is not a traditional graphic design role. It’s a hands-on, creative role sitting at the intersection of design, motion and social culture. You’ll play a key part in making our brand & content dynamic, premium and tech-forward, using motion and animation to bring investment stories, data and products to life.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing, you’ll work closely with our Marketing and Product teams in a Figma-first environment, owning the creation of social-led creative, motion assets, and campaign visuals that genuinely stand out. If you love turning ideas and data into engaging, scroll-stopping content and want to see the impact of your work quickly - this role is for you.

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

• Lead social-first design and motion, creating content that feels native to platforms like Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

• Use animation to bring data, insights and stories to life (e.g. charts, explainers, social ads)

• Elevate Kernel’s brand with motion, polish and a modern, tech-forward aesthetic across all touchpoints

• Design and deliver campaign assets across social, digital, web, email and occasional print, supported by scalable Figma templates and component libraries

• Own creative output end-to-end, collaborating with Marketing and Product, applying light video/post-production polish, and contributing ideas not just executing briefs

You’ll be great if you bring

• Strong foundations in graphic design, including layout, typography and brand consistency

• Proven experience in motion design / animation, with work that shows how you bring visuals to life

• A clear understanding of social platforms, formats and what performs well today

• High confidence working in Figma, including components, auto-layout and collaborative workflows

• A sharp eye for detail, combined with curiosity, initiative and a collaborative mindset to push ideas and deliver polished, premium work

Bonus things you could bring along to the role

• Experience with video editing or post-production (e.g. After Effects, Premiere Pro)

• Background in a high-output, consumer-facing environment (agency, startup, FMCG, beauty, tech, lifestyle brands)

• Experience visualising data or insights in engaging, accessible ways

• An interest in personal finance, investing or fintech

Why You’ll Love it at Kernel

• Shape the visual and motion direction of a growing fintech brand, helping Kernel move into a more premium, tech-forward space

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

• Join a collaborative, down-to-earth team where feedback is constructive and ideas are welcome

• Competitive compensation package

• Flexible working - connect in person while enjoying the freedom to work from home up to a couple of days each week (minimum 3 days per 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.