About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise innovation in public cloud, AI, data science, IoT, and engineering. With over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries, Canonical pioneers global distributed collaboration. The company is founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing, serving top public cloud providers, silicon leaders, and industry giants. Our remote-first culture emphasizes two to four in-person team meetings yearly in exciting global locations to align on strategy and execution.

Role Overview

Join Canonical as a Design Manager (Visual) in a hands-on leadership role shaping brand and site experiences for Ubuntu and beyond. Based remotely in EMEA, you'll lead a team of visual designers, drive innovation, ensure quality, and contribute directly to projects like marketing campaigns, data visualizations, print, and UI design. Collaborate with design systems and sites teams to influence digital experiences across the organization. This position suits experienced designers passionate about technology, open source, and strategic visual storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

As Design Manager, your impact will span team leadership, creative execution, and process evolution:

• Critically review work to uphold excellence and consistency via direct feedback.
• Deliver hands-on design when needed for complex projects.
• Mentor individual designers for continuous professional growth.
• Oversee and optimize operational workflows and production processes.
• Define outcomes with stakeholders like Marketing, Web Engineering, and Design Systems Director.
• Evolve design systems and guidelines for efficiency and quality.
• Coordinate with design leadership to mature practices.
• Foster team culture through showcases and collaboration.
• Advocate for design's value in the organization and open source community.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks leaders with proven excellence in visual design and management:

• Portfolio showcasing design process leadership and visual execution in diverse organizations.
• Hands-on experience managing designer teams amid complex projects.
• Advanced mastery of typography, layout, color, and design systems.
• Strong ability to navigate ambiguity, priorities, and resources while switching modes fluidly.
• Clear design perspective open to feedback, prioritizing usability and accessibility.
• Commitment to mentorship and skills development.
• Demonstrated passion for technology and open source.
• Self-motivated, result-oriented with thoughtful communication.
• Exceptional design education or compelling career narrative.
• Professional English proficiency and willingness to travel up to 4 times yearly for 2-week events.

Why Visual Design at Canonical?

This role offers stretch projects beyond brand design, enabling cross-department impact in Ubuntu's ecosystem. Lead by example in a collaborative, innovative environment driving open source forward.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, equitable compensation tailored to location, experience, and skills. Base pay is complemented by:

• Eligibility for annual bonuses and sales incentives.
• Remote-first global work with exciting travel opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits reflecting our values of openness and growth.
• Profitable, stable company with long-term vision.
• Access to cutting-edge tech in cloud, AI, and IoT.

Career Growth

At Canonical, professional development is core. As Design Manager, you'll mentor your team while advancing your expertise through high-impact projects, leadership coordination, and exposure to enterprise open source challenges. Our distributed model fosters global networks, skill-sharing, and innovation. Grow alongside a founder-led team committed to your success in visual design and beyond.

Why Join Canonical

Work on Ubuntu, the backbone of modern tech infrastructure, in a remote-first culture that's truly global. Influence millions through open source while enjoying autonomy, impact, and work-life balance. Canonical's growth trajectory offers stability and opportunity in a thriving tech landscape. Be part of pioneering distributed work, driving design excellence for the world's leading enterprises.

Role FAQs

Is this a fully remote role?

Yes, home-based in EMEA with occasional travel for team events.

What tools does the team use?

Modern design tools aligned with Figma, Adobe Suite, and design systems for Ubuntu experiences.

How does Canonical support open source?

Ubuntu is fully open source; this role advances its brand and digital presence globally.

What's the team structure?

Collaborative visual design team within broader design leadership, working with Marketing and Engineering.

Application tips?

Highlight your portfolio, leadership examples, and tech passion. We value diverse paths to excellence.