Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Kernel Wealth

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: Mid-Senior to Lead (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of 2-3 Product Designers, fostering a culture of design excellence and professional growth.

• Drive the strategic direction and hands-on execution of user-centered design for Kernel Wealth's web and mobile platforms, ensuring high-impact product experiences.

• Own and advance the company's design system, promoting consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, and Marketing stakeholders to translate customer insights and data into compelling product solutions.

• Champion the integration of AI-enabled design practices, exploring innovative ways to enhance both the design process and the end-user product experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a "player-coach" position, indicating a significant expectation for hands-on design work alongside leadership responsibilities. The emphasis on AI integration suggests an innovative and forward-thinking design environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a small team of Product Designers, providing guidance on design craft, process, and career progression.

• Remain hands-on in designing and prototyping key product features and user flows for Kernel Wealth's web and mobile applications.

• Drive design quality, consistency, and adherence to brand guidelines across all digital products and user interfaces.

• Own, maintain, and evolve Kernel Wealth's design system to ensure scalability, reusability, and efficiency for the product and engineering teams.

• Partner closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads from initial concept and discovery through to final delivery and iteration.

• Leverage customer insights, user research, analytics data, and product thinking to inform design decisions and product strategy.

• Establish and champion AI-enabled design practices, tools, and workflows to enhance design efficiency and product innovation.

• Contribute to the overall product strategy by advocating for user needs and presenting design solutions that align with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership (coaching, strategy contribution, AI integration) and tactical execution (hands-on design, system ownership). This indicates a need for a candidate who can operate effectively at multiple levels.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience in product design, UX/UI, or a related field is paramount.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in designing customer-facing digital products, with a significant portion involving leadership or mentoring responsibilities.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience designing and delivering successful customer-facing digital products (web and mobile).

• Demonstrated experience in leading, mentoring, or managing a team of Product Designers.

• Expertise in developing, maintaining, and scaling design systems.

• Excellent product and design judgment, with a strong understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Advanced proficiency in design and prototyping tools, particularly Figma.

• Strong collaborative approach and ability to influence stakeholders across Product, Engineering, and Marketing.

• Confidence and practical experience using AI tools within a design workflow.

• Ability to translate customer insights, data, and product thinking into actionable design decisions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Fintech, financial services, or other regulated industries.

• Strong visual design capabilities, with a keen eye for aesthetics and brand consistency.

• Experience with brand strategy, marketing design, or accessibility design best practices.

• Prior experience designing AI-powered products or features.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and data analysis for design validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to Have" section strongly suggests that experience in regulated industries and with AI products is highly valued, potentially indicating a focus on complex user journeys and cutting-edge technology implementation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, illustrating your role and impact.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating your process for tackling complex product challenges, from discovery and research to ideation, prototyping, and delivery.

• Examples of how you've utilized design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency in product development.

• Demonstrations of your proficiency with Figma and advanced prototyping techniques.

• Evidence of your leadership capabilities, including examples of mentoring designers or leading design initiatives. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to user research and customer insight gathering, including how you translate findings into design decisions.

• Illustrate your methodology for evolving and maintaining a design system, including governance and contribution processes.

• Provide examples of how you collaborate with Product and Engineering teams, highlighting your role in the agile development lifecycle.

• Demonstrate your experience in integrating AI tools into your design process and the outcomes achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "player-coach" nature of the role and the emphasis on AI, portfolios should ideally highlight not just individual design contributions but also leadership in process improvement and the strategic adoption of new technologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Product Designer role in Auckland, New Zealand, with 5-10 years of experience and leadership responsibilities, a competitive salary range is estimated between NZD $130,000 - $180,000 annually. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, the company's fintech sector, and the blend of hands-on design and team leadership.

Benefits:

• Flexible hybrid working model with a minimum of three days in the office per week.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Parental leave top-up benefits.

• Support for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Opportunity to build products that significantly impact Kiwis' long-term wealth.

• Be part of a growing fintech organization where design holds genuine influence.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in how and where these hours are completed, with a requirement for in-office presence on designated days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Lead Product Designer roles in major New Zealand cities, considering the fintech industry's compensation trends and the specified experience level. Direct verification with Kernel Wealth is recommended.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech / Financial Services. Kernel Wealth operates within a dynamic and regulated sector, focused on democratizing wealth building through accessible digital products like KiwiSaver, managed funds, and savings accounts. This industry context implies a need for design that is both user-friendly and trustworthy, adhering to strict compliance standards.

Company Size: Kernel Wealth is described as one of New Zealand's fastest-growing fintechs, suggesting a mid-size organization experiencing rapid scaling. This environment typically offers significant opportunities for impact and influence, alongside the challenges of evolving processes and structures.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company's rapid growth indicates a relatively young and agile organization that is establishing its market presence.

Team Structure:

• The design team is small, consisting of 2-3 Product Designers, reporting to the Chief Product Officer.

• This role is a "player-coach," meaning the Lead Product Designer will manage and mentor the team while also contributing directly to design work.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing teams, indicating a cross-functional, integrated approach to product development. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core component, utilizing customer insights, user research, and analytics.

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles to create intuitive and effective digital experiences.

• Exploration and integration of AI technologies to enhance design processes and product offerings.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, given the fast-paced fintech environment and close collaboration between design, product, and engineering.

Company Website: https://careers.kernelwealth.co.nz

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fastest growing fintech" descriptor suggests a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment where adaptability, innovation, and a proactive approach to process improvement are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Lead level position within the Product Design function. It signifies a transition from individual contribution to a blend of hands-on design work and team leadership. The Lead Designer is expected to set design standards, mentor junior designers, and influence product strategy, making them a key player in the product organization.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer reports directly to the Chief Product Officer (CPO). This senior-level reporting line indicates significant visibility and influence within the product leadership team, allowing for direct input into product vision and design strategy.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on Kernel Wealth's success by shaping the user experience of its core wealth-building products. High-quality, user-friendly design is critical for customer acquisition, retention, and trust in the fintech space. The Lead Product Designer's influence extends to team development, design system maturity, and the strategic adoption of new technologies like AI.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone leadership skills by managing and mentoring a design team, shaping their career paths, and fostering a high-performing design culture.

• Strategic Influence: Gain experience in contributing to product strategy, design vision, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies (AI) at a senior level.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge within the high-growth Fintech sector, understanding the unique design challenges and opportunities in regulated financial services.

• Design System Ownership: Further develop expertise in building and scaling robust design systems that impact multiple product lines and user segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "player-coach" aspect implies that while leadership is a key component, the individual will also remain deeply involved in hands-on design, offering a path for designers who want to maintain their craft while developing management skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Kernel Wealth offers a hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in their Auckland office. This suggests a commitment to in-person collaboration, team building, and fostering a strong office culture, while also providing flexibility.

Office Location(s): The office is located at 125 Queen St, Auckland CBD, 1010, New Zealand. This central location in Auckland's business district offers accessibility and a vibrant working environment.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model promotes a balance between focused individual work (potentially remote) and collaborative team sessions in the office.

• Expect a modern, tech-forward workspace typical of a growing fintech company, likely equipped with the necessary tools and technology to support design and product development.

• Opportunities for direct interaction and brainstorming with Product Managers, Engineers, and Marketing colleagues are inherent in the hybrid model's office days.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexibility. The hybrid arrangement allows for a blend of structured office days and more autonomous remote work, supporting efficient workflow management and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The minimum three days in the office suggests a deliberate strategy to ensure strong team cohesion, spontaneous collaboration, and effective mentorship, which are crucial for a Lead role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV, portfolio, and cover letter to assess experience, leadership potential, and alignment with Kernel Wealth's culture and design philosophy.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A hands-on design exercise or an in-depth review of your portfolio, focusing on your approach to problem-solving, design process, system thinking, and AI integration. Expect to present case studies and discuss your decision-making.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Chief Product Officer, Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration style, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, long-term vision, and alignment with the company's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading projects, mentoring designers, and influencing design strategy. Highlight instances where you coached others to success.

• Process & Rationale: For each case study, detail your thought process, the problem you were solving, the research conducted, and the rationale behind your design decisions, especially concerning AI integration.

• Design System Expertise: Include examples of how you've worked with or built design systems, demonstrating an understanding of scalability, consistency, and governance.

• AI Integration: If possible, include projects where you've explored or implemented AI in the design process or product itself. Explain the benefits and challenges.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design work on user behavior, business outcomes, or team efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize with Fintech: Research Kernel Wealth's products, target audience, and the broader fintech landscape in New Zealand.

• Design System Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building or evolving a design system for a growing fintech.

• AI in Design: Think critically about how AI can be practically applied in product design and prototyping workflows to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you handle cross-functional collaboration, feedback, and design disagreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI and design systems suggests that candidates should be ready to present specific examples and a clear point of view on these areas during the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect advanced usage for complex interfaces and design system components.

• Prototyping Tools: Likely integrated within Figma or other specialized tools for creating interactive prototypes to test user flows and validate designs.

• Design System Management Tools: While not explicitly named, tools or methodologies for managing design tokens, component libraries, and documentation will be crucial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude, Google Analytics): To understand user behavior, track feature adoption, and inform design decisions with data.

• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker): Potentially used for deeper analysis of user data and presenting insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): While not directly a design tool, understanding CRM data can inform user segmentation and personalization strategies.

• Project Management Tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello): For managing design tasks, tracking progress, and collaborating with engineering and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and the implied need for AI tools suggests a modern, digital-first design environment. Proficiency in data analysis and collaboration tools is also critical for effective cross-functional work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and meeting customer needs through intuitive and valuable product experiences.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies like AI to push the boundaries of design and product development.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams (Product, Engineering, Marketing) to achieve shared goals.

• Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and adapting to a rapidly evolving industry.

• Integrity & Trust: Building products that users can rely on, especially critical in the financial services sector.

Collaboration Style:

• Player-Coach Approach: A blend of leading by example and hands-on contribution, fostering a supportive and productive team environment.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Actively engaging with Product and Engineering to ensure design is integrated early and throughout the development lifecycle.

• Data-Informed Design: Utilizing data and customer feedback as key inputs for design decisions, rather than relying solely on intuition.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback, constructive critique, and transparent communication within the design team and with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "growing wealth" and "fintech" suggests a culture that values financial literacy, long-term thinking, and ethical practices, alongside a dynamic, innovative approach to technology.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Leadership and Hands-on Design: Effectively managing a team's workload and development while also contributing significantly to design output.

• Scaling Design Practice: Evolving the design system, processes, and team structure to keep pace with Kernel Wealth's rapid growth.

• Integrating AI: Successfully incorporating AI tools and methodologies into the design workflow, addressing potential learning curves and ensuring practical application.

• Navigating Regulated Environments: Designing user-friendly experiences that comply with financial services regulations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in AI-driven design tools and workflows within the fintech space.

• Leadership Acumen: Developing strategic leadership skills by managing a design team and influencing product direction.

• Fintech Product Innovation: Gaining deep experience in a high-growth, innovative sector with a direct impact on customer financial well-being.

• Design System Maturity: Contributing to the evolution and strategic implementation of a scalable design system for a growing product suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, aligning with a company culture that likely values proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design team through a significant product challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How would you approach evolving or scaling Kernel Wealth's design system to accommodate rapid growth and new features?" (Assess system thinking, process, and scalability.)

• "What are your thoughts on integrating AI into the product design process? Can you provide an example of how you've used AI tools or envision using them effectively?" (Gauge understanding of AI, practical application, and innovation.)

• "How do you balance user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints in your design decisions, especially within a regulated industry?" (Evaluate strategic thinking and trade-off management.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Kernel Wealth and our mission to help Kiwis build wealth?" (Assess alignment with company values and mission.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and provide constructive feedback within a design team and with cross-functional partners?" (Understand your team dynamics and communication style.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, growing fintech environment. What are the unique challenges and rewards?" (Gauge adaptability and industry understanding.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable impact.

• Highlight Leadership & AI: Explicitly point out where you led initiatives, mentored others, or incorporated AI into your workflow and its benefits.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your design thinking and solutions.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, research methodologies, and collaboration experiences.

• Connect to Kernel Wealth: Frame your experience and insights in the context of Kernel Wealth's products and goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate a clear vision for design leadership, demonstrate practical AI application, and showcase a strong understanding of the fintech landscape and user-centric design principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kernel Wealth careers page.

• Tailor Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects that demonstrate leadership, design system expertise, hands-on UI/UX design for digital products, and any experience with AI in design. Emphasize your "player-coach" capabilities.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight keywords such as "Lead Product Designer," "Product Design," "Design Systems," "Figma," "Prototyping," "Mentorship," "AI," "Fintech," and "Cross-functional Collaboration" to align with the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Briefly explain your interest in Kernel Wealth, your leadership philosophy, your experience with AI in design, and why you are an ideal fit for this player-coach role.

• Research Kernel Wealth: Familiarize yourself with their products (KiwiSaver, managed funds, savings), their mission, recent news, and their overall brand presence. Understand their target audience and competitive landscape.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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