About Canonical

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, is a global leader in open source software innovation. Ubuntu powers everything from cloud infrastructure and data centers to desktops and IoT devices, serving millions of users worldwide. As a pioneer in remote-first culture, Canonical attracts top talent from diverse backgrounds to build the future of computing. Our commitment to objectivity, science, and efficiency extends to our hiring processes, where the Talent Science team plays a pivotal role in selecting world-class colleagues.

Role Overview

The Talent Scientist - Graduate Lead is a strategic role within Canonical's Talent Science team, focused on revolutionizing graduate hiring for our remote-first tech organization. Based remotely in the EMEA region, you'll advance our strategy to source and assess exceptional junior talent from top universities globally. This is not a traditional recruiting position; it's about leveraging data science, psychometrics, and behavioral insights to empower hiring leaders with robust, unbiased decision-making tools. Join us to shape the future of talent acquisition at a company that inspires millions through Ubuntu and open source leadership.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll drive initiatives that ensure Canonical selects the best graduates regardless of location or background. Key responsibilities include:

• Building effective partnerships with leading academic institutions worldwide to raise awareness of Canonical's graduate opportunities.
• Creating a highly effective employer proposition to inspire top junior talent to apply.
• Driving talent analytics with real-time insights, using tools like SQL to build dashboards and monitor hiring outcomes.
• Conducting in-depth behavioral interviews to uncover motivations and predict performance.
• Fostering relationships with global stakeholders to monitor hiring activities and ensure operational consistency.
• Reviewing and streamlining processes, integrating third-party platforms for maximum ROI.
• Championing diversity and inclusion by removing unconscious bias from sourcing and selection.

Qualifications & Requirements

We seek candidates with a strong foundation in talent science and tech hiring. Essential qualifications include:

• An exceptional academic record, with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Psychology, HR, or a people-based subject.
• Proven experience leading graduate hiring strategies in the technology sector on a regional or global scale.
• A data-driven mindset, proficient in SQL for creating measurable outcomes and dashboards (experience with Superset advantageous).
• Passion for scientific talent selection, including exposure to psychometric assessments like Thomas International or DISC.
• Expertise in behavioral and competency-based interviews, with the ability to train stakeholders.
• Familiarity with tools such as Greenhouse, LinkedIn, and ATS platforms.
• High self-organization for remote work, plus willingness to travel 2-4 times yearly for company events.

This role demands a blend of analytical rigor, interpersonal savvy, and a commitment to open source values.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers a premium compensation package tailored to your location, experience, and performance. Enjoy:

• Competitive base salary with a performance-driven annual bonus.
• Fully distributed remote work environment, emphasizing work-life balance.
• Twice-yearly in-person team sprints to foster collaboration.
• Annual (and more frequent for graduates) compensation reviews to reward excellence.
• Comprehensive global benefits, balanced for local needs, including personal learning stipends.
• Opportunities to contribute to Ubuntu and open source projects with real-world impact.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is data-informed and merit-based. As Talent Scientist - Graduate Lead, you'll gain exposure to executive stakeholders, global hiring strategies, and cutting-edge talent science. Advance by leading larger initiatives, mentoring teams, or transitioning into broader people operations roles. Our remote-first model supports lifelong learning, with resources for certifications in data analytics, psychometrics, and leadership.

Why Join Canonical

Canonical stands at the forefront of open source innovation, with Ubuntu as the world's most popular Linux distribution. Our remote-first culture empowers you to work from anywhere in EMEA, collaborating with a diverse, high-performing team. You'll contribute to hiring the next generation of engineers and innovators who power cloud, AI, and edge computing. Embrace a mission-driven environment that values objectivity, diversity, and scientific rigor—while enjoying the freedom of global remote work and the prestige of Canonical's brand.

Role FAQs

Is this a remote role?

Yes, fully remote within the EMEA region, with occasional travel for team sprints.

What salary can I expect?

Compensation is competitive for EMEA tech rates, with performance bonuses and annual reviews.

Do I need tech recruiting experience?

Experience in graduate hiring within technology is essential, focused on science-backed methods.

How does Canonical support diversity?

We prioritize unbiased processes, psychometric tools, and inclusive sourcing to build diverse teams.

Ready to transform talent acquisition at Canonical? Apply now and help us hire the future of open source.