Help Shape the Future of Wealth at Kernel

At Kernel, we're building the future of wealth management. Over the last 7 years, we've established ourselves as one of New Zealand's most innovative investment and wealth businesses. Now we're entering the next phase of our journey, evolving our WealthOS vision while exploring opportunities to expand into new international markets.

To support this next stage of growth, we're looking for an exceptional commercial leader to join us as our Head of Expansion & Commercial Strategy. This is a unique opportunity to work to work on some of the most important decisions facing the business, driving these through decision and implementation, and ultimately help shape what Kernel becomes over the coming years.

About the role

Working closely with the Exec team, you'll lead two critical growth priorities for Kernel. The first is helping define the commercial future of WealthOS, developing the pricing, packaging and customer economics that bring the vision to life. The second is helping determine where and how Kernel expands internationally, building the commercial case for growth and progressing market entry opportunities.

This is a highly visible role that combines strategic thinking, commercial nous and hands on execution. You'll tackle complex business challenges, develop clear recommendations and turn ambitious ideas into practical outcomes.

What you’ll do

Shape the Commercial Future of WealthOS

• Define and evolve the commercial model underpinning WealthOS.

• Develop pricing, packaging and customer economics across Kernel's product suite.

• Build business cases, commercial models and investment scenarios.

• Evaluate opportunities, risks and trade-offs associated with new products and growth initiatives.

• Provide commercial recommendations that support executive and Board decision making.

Lead Expansion Strategy

• Evaluate and prioritise international market opportunities.

• Assess customer demand, competitive dynamics, regulatory requirements and market entry options.

• Develop market entry strategies and go-to-market recommendations.

• Assess partnerships, acquisitions and other expansion pathways.

• Progress planning and preparation for Kernel's first offshore market.

Drive Strategic Growth Initiatives

• Develop strategic partnerships that support growth and expansion.

• Create practical frameworks that support future market expansion.

• Work across product, finance, operations and leadership teams to align strategy and execution.

• Contribute to Kernel's long term growth strategy and future opportunities.

About You
You're commercially astute, intellectually curious and energised by solving complex business challenges. You enjoy ambiguity, think from first principles and are comfortable working on opportunities that don't come with a predefined playbook.

You’ll be great if you bring

• Experience within fintech, wealthtech, investment platforms or technology-led businesses, with exposure to digital financial products.

• Deep commercial acumen, including pricing strategy, customer economics, product monetisation, business modelling and investment analysis

• Experience leading strategic growth, expansion, corporate development or new venture initiatives.

• A track record of turning analysis into practical commercial outcomes.

• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at executive and Board level.

• A hands on approach and willingness to operate independently in a newly created role.

• Experience in market expansion, partnerships, M&A, consulting or venture building environments will be highly regarded.

Why join Kernel?

At Kernel, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on a business at a pivotal stage of its growth.

Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you'll enjoy:

• The opportunity to work directly with the executive leadership team on high-impact strategic initiatives.

• Meaningful ownership and the ability to influence decisions that shape the future of the business.

• A collaborative, ambitious and purpose driven culture.

• A flexible hybrid working environment, with a minimum of three 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

If you're excited by the challenge of creating new growth opportunities, shaping commercial strategy and helping redefine how people build and manage wealth, we'd love to hear from 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.