Talent Partner

Kernel; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Parental leave top-up

Professional development

Extra staff holidays

Office snacks

Job summary

Kernel is seeking an experienced Talent Partner for a 12-month fixed-term contract in Auckland CBD. This hands-on, sourcing-led role focuses on direct sourcing and delivering across an agreed portfolio of roles.

You will partner with hiring leaders to clarify requirements, shape recruitment plans, target talent pools and maintain pace and quality throughout processes. Hybrid work with office presence required.

Qualifications

• Experience in direct sourcing and end-to-end recruitment delivery.
• Able to personally source passive talent and build strong pipelines.
• Experience partnering with hiring managers to shape search strategies.

Responsibilities

• Own full-cycle sourcing and recruitment delivery across an agreed portfolio of roles.
• Partner with hiring leaders to understand requirements and shape search strategies.
• Identify, approach and engage passive talent through direct sourcing, referrals, networks, LinkedIn and job boards.
• Build strong shortlists for specialist, professional and technology roles.
• Screen candidates, coordinate interviews, manage feedback and support offer processes.
• Keep hiring processes moving with clear communication and sound judgement.
• Contribute to building scalable recruitment foundations as Kernel grows.

Skills

Direct sourcing

End-to-end recruitment

LinkedIn Recruiter

Talent pipeline

Stakeholder partnering

Candidate care

Job description

12mth Fixed-term contract | Auckland CBD | Fast-growing fintech

Kernel is growing and we are looking for an experienced Talent Partner to join the team on a fixed-term contract. This is a hands‑on, sourcing‑led recruitment role where you will personally identify, engage, screen and secure great people for Kernel through an exciting phase of growth.

As Talent Partner, you will own direct sourcing and an agreed portfolio of roles during a significant hiring period. You will partner closely with hiring leaders to clarify requirements, shape recruitment plans, identify target talent pools and keep processes moving with pace, structure and sound judgement.

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

• Own full‑cycle sourcing and recruitment delivery across an agreed portfolio of roles.
• Partner with hiring leaders to understand requirements, shape search strategies and manage recruitment plans.
• Identify, approach and engage passive talent through direct sourcing, referrals, networks, LinkedIn and job boards.
• Build strong shortlists for specialist, professional and technology roles.
• Screen candidates, coordinate interviews, manage feedback and support offer processes.
• Keep hiring processes moving with clear communication, sound judgement and strong candidate care.
• Contribute to building scalable recruitment foundations as Kernel continues to grow.

You’ll be great if you bring

• Strong direct sourcing capability and end‑to‑end recruitment delivery experience.
• Proven ability to personally source passive talent, ideally using LinkedIn Recruiter.
• Confidence building talent pipelines for specialist, professional or technology roles.
• Experience partnering with hiring managers and influencing good hiring decisions.
• A practical, organised and commercial approach to recruitment delivery.
• High standards for candidate care, follow‑through and record keeping.

Bonus things you could bring along to the role

• Experience recruiting in a fintech, financial services, technology or high‑growth environment.
• Comfort working in a fast‑moving, hands‑on business where priorities can shift quickly.
• Experience helping improve recruitment processes, reporting or talent pipeline visibility.
• An interest in investment, KiwiSaver, financial wellbeing or building products that help everyday Kiwis feel more confident with money.

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

Our Commitment

Kernel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive workplace for all employees, and we actively support and promote diversity in our team. We have zero tolerance for bullying, harassment, or discrimination, and we encourage open, respectful communication and healthy conflict.

We’re proud to be a diverse team, and we care about building an environment where everyone feels they belong.