Business Development Manager - Advisor Channel at Kernel Wealth

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

24 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Funds management, Wealth management, Financial services, Relationship management, Portfolio construction, Asset allocation, Business development, Strategic planning, Communication skills, Commercial judgement, Consultative selling, Market analysis, Investment philosophy, CRM tools, HubSpot

Industry

Financial Services

Description

About the role Kernel is growing and we’re building out our adviser distribution capability for the first time. We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to help deepen Kernel’s presence across the New Zealand financial adviser community. This is a senior, relationship‑led role focused on long‑term value creation, not short‑term product sales. You’ll work directly with independent and mid‑tier advice firms nationwide, helping advisers integrate low‑cost, high‑transparency investment solutions into client portfolios while navigating portfolio construction, retirement policy, and the practical realities of running a modern advice business. This role plays a critical part in shaping how Kernel partners with advisers and in building a scalable adviser channel for the future. 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 Build and own relationships with financial advisers across New Zealand, with a focus on independent and mid‑tier firms Act as a trusted partner to advisers engaging in conversations that go beyond individual funds. Support advisers with portfolio construction discussions, investment philosophy, and cost‑efficient portfolio design Bring informed perspectives on KiwiSaver, retirement policy, and long‑term investing trends Develop and execute a national business development plan aligned to Kernel’s growth strategy Translate Kernel’s investment approach into clear, commercially relevant adviser narratives Work closely with Relationship Management, Investment, Marketing, Product and Client Services teams Capture adviser feedback and market insights to inform distribution strategy and content development You’ll be great if you bring 5+ years’ experience in funds management, wealth management, or financial services Strong understanding of the New Zealand adviser ecosystem Credibility discussing portfolio construction, asset allocation, and market structure Proven ability to build trusted relationships with experienced business owners A consultative mindset, comfortable challenging traditional thinking when appropriate Confidence operating independently across a national territory Strong written and verbal communication skills Commercial judgement, maturity, and a strong personal brand in front of clients Previous BDM experience is helpful but not essential - industry credibility and relationship maturity matter most. Bonus things you could bring along to the role Experience working with advisers in Australia, the UK, Asia or other offshore markets Exposure to passive investment strategies or institutional portfolio construction Familiarity with CRM tools (HubSpot experience is a plus) Interest in improving sales processes, reporting, or using technology to drive efficiency Experience contributing to adviser‑facing content, presentations, or events 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.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with independent and mid-tier financial advisers across New Zealand to promote investment solutions. Act as a trusted partner by providing insights on portfolio construction, retirement policy, and investment trends.