About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering technology company leading the global shift to open source software. As the publisher of Ubuntu, the world's most widely used Linux distribution, Canonical powers critical infrastructure in AI, IoT, cloud computing, and edge environments. Ubuntu serves as the foundation for enterprise solutions, from hyperscale data centers to embedded systems, enabling secure, validated open source technologies. With a remote-first culture, Canonical recruits top global talent to innovate and deliver best-in-class products that change how enterprises build and deploy software.

Our Software Alliances team plays a pivotal role in partnering with leading software companies to integrate Ubuntu and Canonical's offerings, such as AI tools, into their ecosystems. This collaboration optimizes products, drives joint roadmaps, and creates differentiated go-to-market strategies, ensuring robust lifecycle support across cloud to edge deployments.

Role Overview

The Software Alliance Ecosystem Manager at Canonical is a dynamic role for early-career professionals with up to 7 years of experience in technology, engineering, or product management. Based remotely in the Americas, this position bridges technical expertise with business development to foster strategic alliances. You'll navigate complex technical challenges, architect solutions across global teams, and drive Ubuntu adoption within partner accounts. Ideal for those eager to grow in business development while leveraging a strong technical foundation, the role involves up to 25% travel for conferences and in-person partnership building.

This is an opportunity to influence how leading software vendors build with Canonical technology, contributing to open source innovation and enterprise success.

Key Responsibilities

Partner Collaboration and Strategy

Work closely with product, engineering, alliance, and marketing teams at partner organizations to align on open-source strategies. Capture partner requirements, evaluate gaps, and pinpoint opportunities for Canonical's Ubuntu and related technologies.

Content and Go-to-Market Execution

Coordinate with internal marketing and product teams to develop messaging, content, and launch plans. Create high-impact materials including reference architectures, joint blueprints, webinars, presentations, videos, and white papers for partners and customers.

Driving Adoption and Enablement

Champion Ubuntu adoption in targeted alliance accounts by advocating its benefits to stakeholders. Collaborate with partners on enablement training for their development, delivery, support, and commercial teams. Influence partners to integrate Canonical technology into their offerings.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Requirements

Canonical seeks candidates with an exceptional academic track record from high school and university, or a compelling alternative path. A Bachelor's degree in science, technology, or engineering is required, along with hands-on experience in software development and system architecture. Customer-facing experience in software engineering, product management, business development, or technology strategy is essential.

Excellent communication skills are critical, enabling you to engage stakeholders from individual contributors to C-suite executives, grasping complex topics and synthesizing key insights. You must excel at strategic and tactical thinking, while being disciplined and self-motivated in a remote-first environment.

Nice-to-Have Skills

Experience with open source software and business models, team leadership, product or program management, marketing/go-to-market strategies, or sector knowledge in finance, telecom, automotive, or public sectors is highly valued. Working knowledge of ISV go-to-market motions and a post-graduate degree in a relevant field are advantageous.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive, performance-based compensation tailored to location, experience, and contributions, with annual reviews and potential bonuses or commissions. Beyond base pay, enjoy a distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints, a $2,000 personal learning and development budget annually, recognition rewards, generous holiday leave, maternity and paternity leave, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Travel enthusiasts benefit from opportunities to visit new locations, Priority Pass membership, and upgrades for long-haul company events, fostering global connections in our remote-first culture.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by excellence and impact. Early-career professionals in this role gain exposure to global alliances, technical strategy, and business development, positioning you for advancement into leadership in product management, alliances, or engineering. With frequent compensation reviews—especially for associates—and a focus on continuous learning, Canonical invests in your growth. Join a high-standard team where outstanding performance is recognized and rewarded, building a long-term career in open source innovation.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands at the forefront of open source, powering Ubuntu across AI, cloud, and IoT. Our remote-first model offers flexibility without compromising collaboration, supported by in-person sprints and global travel. Be part of a mission to deliver secure, open source solutions that enterprises rely on worldwide. With a commitment to fairness, excellence, and innovation, Canonical provides the platform to excel and shape the future of software.

Role FAQs

Is this role remote?

Yes, fully remote in the Americas, with up to 25% travel for conferences and partnerships.

What experience level is required?

Ideal for early-career professionals with up to 7 years in tech, engineering, or product management.

Does Canonical sponsor visas?

Canonical hires globally but check specific requirements for Americas-based remote roles.

What is the compensation structure?

Competitive base pay with performance bonuses, annual reviews, and benefits tailored globally.

How does Canonical support professional development?

$2,000 annual learning budget, mentorship, and growth opportunities in a high-impact environment.