About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, stands at the forefront of open source innovation, powering enterprise initiatives worldwide. Ubuntu is the foundation for public cloud deployments, data science breakthroughs, AI advancements, engineering innovation, and IoT solutions. Serving leading public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry giants across sectors, Canonical pioneers global distributed collaboration with over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries. With minimal office-based roles, teams connect through strategic in-person meetings two to four times yearly in captivating global locations. As a founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing enterprise, Canonical champions open source as the transformative force reshaping enterprise software landscapes.

Role Overview

The Product Manager - Ubuntu role at Canonical is a dynamic opportunity for technologists passionate about defining market-leading open source products. This home-based position in the EMEA time zone invites visionary leaders to drive Ubuntu's evolution across diverse domains like desktop, server, cloud, AI/ML, IoT, telco, finance, automotive, and application management. You'll craft clear product visions, prioritize ruthlessly, and ensure high-quality delivery that aligns business objectives with user demands. Canonical's product managers blend technical depth with strategic acumen, pushing boundaries in emerging markets while elevating open source reliability, security, and accessibility. If you thrive on leadership, communication, and technical foresight, this role positions you to shape tomorrow's software ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you'll spearhead the full product lifecycle for Ubuntu offerings. Key responsibilities include leading development by reviewing and setting priorities and goals, collaborating seamlessly with cross-functional teams of engineers, designers, and stakeholders, and defining product strategy that captures new market opportunities. You'll analyze user needs, competitive landscapes, and technological trends to guide teams in delivering innovative solutions. From conception to launch, oversee execution across Ubuntu Platform, Pro Services, AI/ML tools like Kubeflow and MLFlow, IoT edge computing, cloud orchestration with Kubernetes and MAAS, telco standards, financial compliance platforms, automotive safety systems, and enterprise observability. Drive engagement, promote the open source ethos, and ensure products arrive in the right markets at the optimal time.

Strategic Leadership

Set visionary direction for specialized verticals, identifying opportunities in public clouds, embedded devices, robotics, blockchain, and autonomous driving technologies compliant with standards like ISO 26262.

Execution Excellence

Utilize analytics, project management, and communication skills to blend technical expertise with business outcomes, fostering high-impact open source contributions.

Qualifications & Requirements

Canonical seeks product managers who are technology professionals with a robust software engineering background, aspiring to executive and entrepreneurial heights. Essential qualifications include demonstrated excellence in product leadership, strategic planning, and technical vision, coupled with a deep passion for open source communities. Proficiency in domains such as Ubuntu ecosystem, cloud infrastructure, AI/ML operations, IoT device management, or enterprise applications is highly valued. Strong analytical skills, effective cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are non-negotiable. While expertise in listed areas like Telco RAN/vRAN, finance trading platforms, or automotive infotainment is ideal, relevant experience in adjacent fields is welcome—Canonical routes top talent to fitting teams. This role requires residency in the EMEA time zone for seamless collaboration.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers an unparalleled remote-first culture tailored for high performers. Enjoy complete work-from-home flexibility across EMEA, supported by a global network of peers. Perks include frequent team offsites in inspiring international destinations, fostering strategy alignment and personal connections. As part of a profitable growth company, benefit from equity opportunities, comprehensive health coverage, generous parental leave, and professional development budgets. Access cutting-edge tools, unlimited PTO in many regions, and wellness stipends. Contribute to world-changing projects on Ubuntu Pro, security engineering, and managed services, with direct impact on Fortune 500 clients and innovators.

Career Growth

Canonical invests in product managers as future business leaders. From technologist to entrepreneur, advance through hands-on experience across product domains, mentorship from industry pioneers, and exposure to executive strategy sessions. Hone skills in market expansion, open source governance, and vertical integrations like AIOps, GitOps, and Juju Charms. With Canonical's scale, transition between high-growth areas—cloud to AI, IoT to automotive—building a versatile leadership profile. Performance-driven promotions, global visibility, and founder access propel rapid trajectories in a company doubling down on open source dominance.

Why Join Canonical

Join Canonical to architect the open source future, where Ubuntu powers the most ambitious tech initiatives. Thrive in a meritocratic, distributed environment valuing intellect, drive, and community impact over bureaucracy. Work with elite talent on mission-critical software reaching billions of devices, from edge servers to hyperscale clouds. Canonical's commitment to 'most software to most companies' means your innovations scale globally, enhancing security, compliance, and developer productivity. In a remote-first world, balance freedom with purpose, contributing to sectors transforming humanity—from AI-driven finance to safe autonomous vehicles.

Role FAQs

What time zone is required?

EMEA time zone residency is essential for real-time collaboration.

Do I need specific domain experience?

Listed domains are preferred, but relevant expertise in open source enterprise tech qualifies you for routing to ideal teams.

Is this a remote role?

Yes, fully home-based with periodic global in-person meetings.

What salary can I expect?

Competitive EMEA tech rates, estimated 85,000-140,000 EUR annually, based on experience.

How does Canonical support open source?

We elevate quality, outreach, and impact, making Ubuntu the secure foundation for every compute class and application.