National BDM: Adviser Partnerships & Growth

Kernel Wealth; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Parental leave top‑up

Professional development

Hybrid work setup

Dog‑friendly office

Office snacks and coffee

Job summary

Kernel Wealth is expanding its adviser distribution capability across New Zealand. We’re seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to deepen Kernel’s presence with independent and mid‑tier advisers nationwide, focusing on long‑term value creation.

You’ll lead relationships, help advisers with portfolio construction and retirement policy, and translate our investment approach into clear, adviser‑facing narratives while collaborating with our investment, marketing and product teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of 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.
• Consultative mindset and ability to challenge traditional thinking when appropriate.
• Comfortable working independently across a national territory.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercial judgment and mature professional presence.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Funds management experience

Wealth management knowledge

NZ adviser ecosystem

Portfolio construction

Relationship building

Consultative selling

Independent working across national

Communication skills

Tools

HubSpot

Job description

Kernel Wealth is expanding its adviser distribution capability across New Zealand. We’re seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to deepen Kernel’s presence with independent and mid‑tier advisers nationwide, focusing on long‑term value creation.

You’ll lead relationships, help advisers with portfolio construction and retirement policy, and translate our investment approach into clear, adviser‑facing narratives while collaborating with our investment, marketing and product teams.