About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise innovation worldwide. As a pioneer in open source software, Canonical delivers Ubuntu to global markets in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering, and IoT. Our customers include top public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across sectors. With over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries, Canonical embodies a truly global distributed collaboration model. Very few roles are office-based; instead, teams align on strategy during 2-4 annual in-person meetings in inspiring global locations. Founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing, Canonical attracts top talent passionate about open source and technology.

Role Overview

The Executive Search Lead - Technology is a brand-new opportunity within Canonical's Talent Science team. This home-based role in EMEA focuses on revolutionizing how the company sources senior leadership talent. Unlike traditional recruiters, you'll lead with talent science, teaching executives to headhunt world-class professionals in the technology sector. You'll develop search strategies, coach hiring leaders, deliver data-driven insights via SQL or Python, and ensure unbiased, rigorous processes. Join a team transforming hiring by connecting performance outcomes to talent selection, empowering business leaders to build high-performing teams from Canonical's vast global applicant pool.

Key Impact

In this role, you'll bridge talent science and executive hiring, fostering diversity, inclusion, and objective decision-making. Your expertise in market mapping, behavioural interviews, and analytics will enable Canonical to attract breakthrough talent for management and leadership positions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive search strategies ensuring headhunted talent flows smoothly through the hiring pipeline.
• Coach senior leadership teams to master approaching and attracting exceptional talent for key positions.
• Leverage SQL or Python for talent analytics, providing real-time insights into trends and patterns.
• Conduct deep behavioural interviews, uncovering motivations and behaviours to inform hiring decisions.
• Build strong relationships with global stakeholders, monitor hiring activities, and drive consistent operational processes.
• Pursue continuous improvement in hiring outcomes, with a focus on removing unconscious bias and promoting diversity.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks candidates with proven expertise in executive search within technology. Essential qualifications include:

• Professional headhunting experience from a reputable executive search firm or in-house function, successfully sourcing senior tech talent.
• Strong command of talent sourcing tools, including market mapping and LinkedIn talent modules.
• Analytical prowess to identify data trends using SQL or Python.
• Experience in behavioural, competency-based interviews, with ability to train stakeholders.
• Exceptional academic background: Bachelors or Masters in Psychology or people-based subject, plus solid high school Maths.
• High personal organisation for effective remote work; willingness to travel 2-4 times yearly for up to two weeks.

Nice-to-have skills: Advanced statistical analysis, exposure to psychometric assessments, and tools like Greenhouse.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a premium remote-first experience:

• 100% home-based in EMEA with flexible global collaboration.
• Exciting travel to company offsites in unique locations worldwide.
• Competitive compensation estimated at €90,000-€140,000 yearly, reflecting tech sector rates with upside buffer.
• Work on Ubuntu and open source projects impacting millions.
• Profitable, growing company with founder leadership and career stability.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is tied to impact. As Executive Search Lead, you'll gain visibility with senior executives, influence company-wide hiring, and develop expertise in talent science. Opportunities abound to lead initiatives in AI-driven hiring, global diversity strategies, and advanced analytics. With rapid growth, high performers advance quickly in a merit-based, remote culture valuing innovation and results.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands out as a remote-first pioneer shaping open source's future through Ubuntu. Be part of a passionate community driving enterprise cloud, AI, and IoT revolutions. Our unique hiring model empowers you to innovate, supported by a collaborative global team. Embrace diversity, leverage cutting-edge tools, and contribute to a profitable company redefining talent acquisition. If you're a tech-savvy talent expert excited by Ubuntu's mission, this is your chance to lead executive search at a world-class organization.

Role FAQs

Is this a recruiting role?

No, it's talent science-focused: coaching executives, analytics, and process oversight, not direct recruiting.

What travel is required?

2-4 trips yearly, up to two weeks each, to global company events.

Must I have tech industry experience?

Yes, specifically headhunting senior tech talent.

Is Python/SQL mandatory?

Proficiency in one for data analysis is required.

How does Canonical support remote work?

Fully distributed model with tools for seamless global collaboration and personal organization emphasis.