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. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical serves top public cloud and silicon providers with over 1,200 colleagues across 75+ countries. With very few office-based roles, our remote-first culture emphasizes high performance, founder-led growth, and profitability. Teams align through two to four in-person sprints yearly in exciting global locations, fostering strategy and execution in a truly borderless environment.

Role Overview

Canonical is seeking a talented HR Generalist to support our expanding global team in the Americas region. Reporting to the Regional HR Manager, this home-based role offers a chance to shape the future of our HR function amid rapid growth. You'll deliver hands-on HR support, enforce high standards, and drive initiatives that balance colleague development with operational excellence. Ideal for self-starters who thrive in proactive, innovative settings, interfacing with professionals at all levels while championing Canonical's remote-first, open source ethos.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic position, you'll wear multiple hats to ensure seamless HR operations across our distributed workforce:

• Provide expert HR guidance to team members and managers, setting and defending high expectations for behavior and performance.
• Partner with line managers on employee relations, offering advice on global policies and procedures.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness in processing employee changes, joiners, leavers, and full lifecycle support including onboarding and departures.
• Manage and drive benefit programs for AMER locations (US, Canada, Brazil), liaising with finance on monthly payroll and enquiries.
• Apply critical thinking to automate administrative tasks and lead the management, development, and integration of our HR system as a global expert and advocate.

Additionally, produce data-driven reports to influence HR initiatives, lead impactful projects, support diversity and inclusion through internal resource groups, and create/update corporate policies with a global lens and local application. Your work will ensure consistent policy enforcement across teams, managers, and directors.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed at Canonical, we seek candidates with:

• Exceptional academic track record from high school and university.
• Relevant professional qualifications and certifications in HR.
• Excellent practical insights into AMER (US, Canada, Brazil) HR practices and employment laws.
• Self-directed, organized problem-solving skills to prioritize, meet deadlines, and exercise discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Fearless, principled approach to interactions at all business levels, with strict confidentiality.
• Willingness to travel up to 4 times yearly for internal events, including at least one two-week trip.

Strong communication, interpersonal skills, and a high work ethic are essential in our fast-paced, global environment.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and impact, with annual reviews and bonuses. Key perks include:

• Fully distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in inspiring locations.
• USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget.
• Recognition rewards, annual holiday leave, maternity/paternity leave, and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities for global travel to collaborate with colleagues worldwide.

Our benefits balance local needs with global fairness, reflecting our commitment to colleague well-being in a remote-first culture.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by performance and impact. As an HR Generalist, you'll influence company-wide initiatives, gain exposure to global HR systems, and lead projects that scale with our growth. With annual compensation reviews, learning budgets, and access to diverse teams, this role positions you for advancement in a profitable, founder-led organization pioneering open source solutions like Ubuntu.

Why Join Canonical

Join a remote-first leader in open source software, where Ubuntu powers breakthrough technologies for the world's top enterprises. Be part of a growing, profitable company with 1,200+ colleagues in 75+ countries, shaping HR for the future. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility, global collaboration, professional development, and the chance to make a tangible impact in an innovative, high-expectation environment committed to excellence.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this role fully remote? Yes, it's home-based in the Americas, with occasional travel for team sprints.

Q: What regions does it cover? Primarily AMER (US, Canada, Brazil) for benefits and HR support.

Q: What HR systems will I work with? You'll lead integration and act as an expert for our global HR system.

Q: Are there growth opportunities? Absolutely, with performance-driven reviews, bonuses, and learning resources.

Q: How does Canonical support work-life balance? Through generous leave, EAP, remote flexibility, and global perks tailored to high performers.