About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise innovation in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across sectors. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries with minimal office-based roles. Teams connect in person 2-4 times yearly in exciting global locations to align on strategy and execution. Founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing, Canonical offers a dynamic environment for talent professionals to thrive.

Role Overview

The Director, Talent Science role at Canonical is a senior leadership position within our expanding Talent Science team. Reporting to the Global Head of Talent Science, you will drive objective, scientifically rigorous hiring processes to attract world-class talent regardless of location or background. This home-based role in EMEA leverages data, behavioral science, and evidence-based decisions to optimize talent acquisition. With accountability for project delivery, you will enhance efficiencies, innovate processes, and develop team members while influencing senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the strategic Talent Science project roadmap using top-tier project management and influencing skills across multiple initiatives.
• Apply expertise to design and implement solutions for complex talent challenges, ensuring exceptional hires.
• Align all selection initiatives with high-performance outcomes and career frameworks.
• Develop professional processes and frameworks for efficient agenda delivery.
• Coach and mentor team members on analytical skills and thought leadership, creating training materials.
• Drive and represent the team in the Head's absence as a trusted advisor and inspiring leader.
• Collaborate closely with company leaders to communicate Canonical's talent vision.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek candidates with an exceptional academic track record, including an undergraduate degree in psychology or a people-based subject. Required experience includes team leadership in technology or consulting, proven project management for roadmap execution, and coaching teams to outstanding results. A deep understanding of selection processes, career frameworks, and internal product building is essential. Advanced analytical skills in SQL, Python, or statistical analysis are mandatory, alongside exceptional written and spoken English with strong presentation abilities for senior audiences. Willingness to travel internationally 4 times yearly for company events is required.

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Advanced knowledge of psychometric assessments and vendors.
• Deep insight into human behavior and intrinsic motivation.
• Experience with Superset and advanced dashboarding.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical shapes compensation based on location, experience, and performance, with annual reviews and more frequent adjustments as needed. Enjoy fully remote work from anywhere in EMEA, joining a global team in a founder-led, profitable company. Benefits include participation in inspiring international offsites, professional development opportunities, and contribution to Ubuntu's open source ecosystem. Experience a remote-first culture emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance.

Career Growth

As Director, Talent Science, you will step up to lead the function when needed, honing thought leadership and influencing skills with senior executives. Coach emerging talent, drive strategic projects, and shape Canonical's hiring ecosystem. With growth in the Talent Science team, this role offers pathways to higher leadership, leveraging your data-driven expertise in a scaling organization committed to employee development.

Why Join Canonical

Join Canonical to work on Ubuntu, the backbone of open source innovation in cloud, AI, and IoT. Thrive in a remote-first culture with global impact, where your analytical prowess and people science expertise directly influence hiring world-class talent. Be part of a profitable, growing company pioneering distributed work, with opportunities to travel, collaborate internationally, and advance your career in talent strategy.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, home-based anywhere in EMEA.

Q: What travel is involved? International travel 4 times yearly for team alignment events.

Q: What salary can I expect? Competitive, estimated 120,000-180,000 EUR annually, based on experience and EMEA tech rates.

Q: What background is ideal? Psychology degree, tech/consulting leadership, data analytics (SQL/Python), career frameworks expertise.

Q: How does Canonical support growth? Through coaching, project leadership, and direct interaction with executives in a scaling team.