About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's most popular Linux distribution for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. As a leader in open source software, Canonical powers everything from personal computing to hyperscale data centers, IoT devices, and enterprise solutions. Our mission is to make open source software available to people everywhere, delivering real value through innovation, security, and freedom. With a remote-first culture spanning the globe, Canonical empowers teams to collaborate asynchronously across time zones, fostering creativity and efficiency in a truly distributed workforce.

Role Overview

The Senior Communications Manager - Analyst Relations role at Canonical is a pivotal position within our communications team, reporting directly to the Director of Communications. This home-based role in the EMEA region focuses on driving Canonical's visibility among industry analysts and influencers. You'll shape market perception of our diverse portfolio, including Ubuntu and open source technologies, by crafting data-driven strategies in an evolving AR landscape influenced by AI and advanced market research.

As the voice of Canonical to analysts, you'll partner closely with Product Management, Alliances, Sales, and Marketing teams to communicate product news, build key narratives, and leverage emerging technologies like GenAI for insights. This senior role offers the chance to innovate in analyst relations, positioning Canonical ahead of the curve in cloud, SaaS, and open source domains.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute analyst-focused communications plans for product announcements, partnerships, and go-to-market initiatives.
• Proactively apply AI technologies to analyze market trends, assess analyst perception, and sentiment around Canonical and its products.
• Engage with GenAI platforms from analyst firms to ensure accurate representation of Canonical's portfolio.
• Craft and deliver compelling narratives that align with Canonical's vision for open source innovation.
• Manage direct relationships with analysts through online briefings, industry events, and coordinated touchpoints.
• Measure AR program impact, report progress to leadership, manage tooling, collaboration, and budget spend.
• Proactively position Canonical in key analyst reports to drive recommendations and enhance brand strength.
• Support the Director of Communications on broader corporate initiatives.

Day-to-Day Impact

Your work will directly influence how industry leaders perceive Canonical's leadership in Ubuntu, open source infrastructure, and enterprise solutions, ensuring our technologies are top-of-mind for recommendations.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek candidates with a strong foundation in communications and a passion for technology:

• Extensive experience in market research, analyst relations, or communications.
• Track record managing technology communications (agency or in-house) or AR programs.
• Proven success in innovative tech communications campaigns and AR-driven positioning.
• Experience in cloud, SaaS, or open source technologies is highly advantageous.
• Analytical skills to identify resonant content for analysts and influencers.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Superior verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong prioritization, deadline management, and planning affinity (Jira experience a plus).
• Product management or marketing background welcomed.
• Willingness to travel up to 4 times annually for events.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a competitive compensation package tailored to ensure global equity:

• Base pay scaled by location, experience, and skills in EMEA tech markets.
• Eligibility for annual bonuses and revenue-based incentives.
• Fully remote work supporting work-life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits package, varying by location.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and professional development in open source and AI.
• Collaborative, inclusive culture with emphasis on diversity and innovation.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by impact and expertise. As a Senior Communications Manager, you'll shape the AR function, gaining visibility with executive leadership. Opportunities abound to lead global initiatives, mentor juniors, and expand into strategic communications or product marketing. Our remote-first model and commitment to open source ensure continuous learning through conferences, certifications, and internal projects on Ubuntu advancements.

Why Join Canonical

Joining Canonical means contributing to the open source revolution that underpins modern computing. Work on Ubuntu, the backbone of cloud-native infrastructure used by Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide. Our remote-first culture eliminates geographical barriers, offering flexibility while connecting you to a passionate global team. Be part of a company that's not just adapting to AI and data-driven markets but leading them, all while enjoying equity-focused pay and meaningful work that advances freedom in technology.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, this is a home-based position anywhere in the EMEA region, with minimal travel (up to 4 times per year).

What salary can I expect?

Base pay is competitive for EMEA senior tech roles, estimated 90,000-140,000 EUR annually, plus bonuses. Exact figures depend on experience and location.

Do I need open source experience?

It's an advantage, especially with cloud/SaaS, but not required if you have strong AR/tech comms background.

How does this role use AI?

You'll pioneer AI for market analysis, sentiment tracking, and ensuring GenAI platforms reflect Canonical accurately.

What tools will I use?

Project management like Jira, AR tooling, and AI platforms for research and insights.