Head of Investment Operations & Governance

Join one of New Zealand's fastest growing wealth platforms and play a key role in shaping the governance foundations that will support the next stage of its growth.

Kernel is on a mission to change the way New Zealanders build wealth. Through KiwiSaver, managed funds, direct investing and innovative wealth solutions, we're creating a modern platform designed for long term financial wellbeing. As we continue to scale, we're looking for an experienced Head of Investment Operations & Governance to take ownership of the integrity, oversight and governance of our investment products and services.

The Opportunity

This is a newly established role within the Investments team. You’ll play a critical role in ensuring our investment products, disclosures, governance frameworks and operational practices remain aligned, robust and fit for growth.

You'll become the central owner of investment product governance across the business, leading the ongoing enhancement of our disclosure framework, regulatory obligations, provider oversight and operating processes. This is a hands on role that requires someone who is comfortable operating at both a strategic and delivery level. We're looking for someone who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, taking ownership, partnering across the business and delivering meaningful change.

This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic growth initiatives while building the governance foundations required to support Kernel's next phase of expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Owning the governance and integrity of Kernel's investment product disclosures and regulatory obligations.
• Acting as a trusted relationship manager with regulators, supervisors and key service providers.
• Strengthening governance, risk and control frameworks across investment products and services.
• Supporting new licensing initiatives, product innovation and product launches.
• Ensuring outsourced providers operate within agreed governance and service standards.
• Building scalable systems, processes and controls that support Kernel's continued growth.

About You

You'll be an experienced investment industry professional who combines strong technical expertise with a pragmatic, commercially aware approach. You enjoy operating at both the strategic and delivery level, and are comfortable taking ownership of complex work rather than delegating it to a team.

We're interested in individuals who bring

• Significant experience within KiwiSaver, managed funds, wealth management or another highly regulated investment environment.
• Deep knowledge of investment product governance, disclosure obligations and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working directly with regulators, supervisors and external providers.
• Strong understanding of governance, risk and control frameworks.
• Experience managing complex documentation, regulatory obligations and governance processes.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on execution.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the credibility to influence across executive, legal, product and investment functions.
• A track record of bringing structure, rigour and accountability to growing organisations.

• Why Join Kernel?
• This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible role at an exciting stage of growth

You'll have the opportunity to

• Shape the governance framework of one of New Zealand's most innovative wealth platforms.
• Work closely with executive leadership and key decision makers across the business.
• Lead meaningful regulatory, licensing and governance initiatives.
• Influence how future products and services are brought to market.
• Play a central role in supporting Kernel's continued growth and evolution.

Join our team

If you're passionate about investment governance, enjoy building scalable frameworks and want to make a genuine impact in a fast growing environment, 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.

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