Head of Investment Platform & Operations

About the Position

Head of Investment Platform & Operations

Lead the operations engine behind Kernel’s scalable investment platform - drive reliability, partners, and product launches for Kiwi investors.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Nice to Have

• 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

We Offer

• 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 a 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

About the Company

Kernel is on a mission to help everyone become wealthier. We’re a platform offering a range of investment products and innovative tools and technology to grow wealth - with ease and all in one place.

We’re passionate about leveraging technology and our financial expertise to create the best way to grow and manage money. Our trusted passive investment approach takes the guesswork out of creating a diversified portfolio while remaining cost-effective and accessible.

We help busy and ambitious Kiwis including families, individuals, iwi groups, and charitable trusts achieve their goals, gain financial stability, and unlock more opportunities.

Founded in 2019, Kernel has 41 co-workers and uses Teamtailor as its applicant tracking system.