About Canonical

Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world's leading open source operating system powering enterprise innovation in public cloud, AI, data science, IoT, and engineering. As a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, Canonical employs over 1200 colleagues across 75+ countries with minimal office-based roles. Teams connect through strategic in-person sprints two to four times a year in exciting global locations. Founder-led and profitable, Canonical is growing rapidly, serving top public cloud providers, silicon leaders, and industry giants. Our remote-first culture fosters high performance, diversity, and open source excellence.

Role Overview

The Senior HR Generalist - EMEA role at Canonical offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our global HR function. Based remotely in the EMEA region, you will drive regional and global HR initiatives, ensuring precise, compliant operations across the employee lifecycle. Partnering with the EMEA HR Manager and Global Head of HR, you will advise leadership, interpret data trends, and build trusted business relationships. This hands-on senior position balances strategic leadership with daily execution in a dynamic tech environment centered on Ubuntu and open source innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver precise, compliant HR operations with high accuracy and timeliness.
• Collaborate with EMEA HR Manager and Global Head of HR to impact all regions.
• Manage HR processes including talent development, succession planning, performance assessments, onboarding, and culture initiatives.
• Support managers on performance management, organizational design, employee engagement, rewards, and workforce planning.
• Partner with HRIS team to refine operational processes for HR administration.
• Coach managers on employee relations across multiple EMEA countries.
• Deliver training and development programs with people managers.
• Build trusted partnerships with regional business leaders.
• Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Design policies and execute business-critical global HR projects.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek candidates with an exceptional academic track record from high school and university. Required experience includes leading HR initiatives across EMEA regions in a technology business, deep knowledge of local labor laws (France, Germany, and UK a plus), and business partnering with senior stakeholders. You must balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution, have experience mentoring others, strong project management skills, and proficiency in remote-first environments. Leverage data for decisions, speak fluent business English, and embody self-motivation, organization, accuracy, confidence, authenticity, results-orientation, open-mindedness, and enthusiasm. Willingness to travel up to four times yearly for events is essential.

Nice-to-have skills include immigration and mobility expertise, payroll/benefits oversight, HR systems knowledge, professional HR certifications, and facilitation abilities.

Benefits & Perks

• Fully distributed remote work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints in inspiring locations.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 annually.
• Annual compensation review with performance-driven bonuses.
• Recognition rewards for outstanding contributions.
• Generous annual holiday leave, maternity, and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing support.
• Opportunities to travel and meet global colleagues.

Compensation considers location, experience, and performance, ensuring global fairness with frequent reviews for top performers.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by impact and initiative in our flat, merit-based structure. As a Senior HR Generalist, you will gain exposure to global HR strategy, leadership coaching, and cutting-edge tech HR practices. Mentorship opportunities, USD 2,000 learning budget, and cross-regional projects accelerate development. Join a team shaping HR for open source leaders, with paths to HR leadership, global roles, or specialized functions like DEI or talent acquisition.

Why Join Canonical

Work on Ubuntu, the backbone of enterprise open source, in a profitable, growing company with a remote-first culture that prioritizes results over location. Contribute to breakthrough initiatives in AI, cloud, and IoT while enjoying work-life balance, global collaboration, and personal growth. Canonical's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing sets us apart in the tech sector. Be part of a founder-led vision pioneering distributed teams worldwide.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, home-based anywhere in EMEA, with up to four annual travel events for team alignment.

What is the estimated salary range?

Based on EMEA tech sector rates for senior roles, approximately €80,000 - €120,000 yearly, plus bonus, varying by experience and location.

Do I need specific country experience?

EMEA regional HR experience required; France, Germany, or UK knowledge is advantageous.

How does Canonical support professional development?

USD 2,000 annual learning budget, mentorship, global projects, and annual reviews promote growth.

What makes Canonical's culture unique?

Remote-first with in-person sprints, open source ethos, focus on high performance, and global diversity.