HR Generalist

Role overview

Canonical builds open source software and operating systems for enterprise and technology customers around the world. Its Ubuntu platform is used across cloud infrastructure, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and IoT initiatives. The company operates with a globally distributed workforce of more than 1,200 colleagues across 75+ countries, with only a small number of office-based positions. Team members typically gather in person two to four times a year at global locations to align on strategy and execution. Canonical is founder-led, profitable, and continuing to grow.

The business is looking for an HR Generalist to join its expanding team and support a globally distributed organisation. Reporting to the Regional HR Manager, this role will help shape an HR function that can scale with future growth. It requires strong ownership, confidence to uphold high standards, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with people at all levels. The ideal candidate will combine excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proactive, hands-on, and innovative approach.

Key responsibilities

• Guide employees and managers on HR matters while maintaining high standards for conduct and performance.
• Work with line managers to advise on employee relations and global policies and procedures.
• Handle employee lifecycle updates accurately and on time, including joiners, leavers, and other changes.
• Oversee and support benefits administration across either the EMEA region (UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Spain) or the AMER region (US, Canada, and Brazil).
• Coordinate with finance on monthly payroll activities, related projects, and queries.
• Support the full HR lifecycle, including onboarding, benefits administration, and offboarding.
• Use critical thinking to simplify processes and reduce manual administrative work.
• Take ownership of HR systems management, ongoing development, and integration.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advocate for the global HR team within the HR systems environment.
• Prepare data-led reports to support and shape HR decisions and initiatives.
• Lead and contribute to projects where your work has visible impact.
• Support internal employee groups in initiatives such as diversity and inclusion.
• Draft, update, and maintain corporate policies with a global perspective and local relevance.
• Promote consistent application of HR policies and procedures across the business.

Candidate profile

• Strong academic performance across both high school and university.
• Relevant professional qualification and certifications.
• Practical knowledge of HR practices and employment law in either EMEA or AMER.
• Ability to work independently, organise priorities, solve problems, and meet deadlines.
• Good judgement, discretion, tact, and diplomacy in all communication.
• A principled and confident approach to professional interactions, with strict respect for confidentiality.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to four times per year for internal events, including at least one trip lasting two full working weeks.

What Canonical offers

• Distributed work setup with twice-yearly in-person team sprints.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 annually.
• Annual compensation review.
• Recognition rewards.
• Annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunity to travel to new destinations to meet colleagues.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events.
• Performance-based annual bonus in addition to base pay.

Additional information

Compensation is determined using location, experience, and performance, and it is reviewed every year. Reviews may happen more often for graduates and associates. Canonical uses a globally balanced benefits approach designed to meet local needs while maintaining fairness across regions.

About Canonical

Canonical is a globally recognised open source technology company and the publisher of Ubuntu, a major platform for AI, IoT, cloud, and enterprise computing. The company hires internationally and holds a very high bar for talent. It has supported remote work since 2004 and expects colleagues to work smartly, learn continuously, and bring strong performance. Canonical is committed to equal opportunity and provides fair consideration to all applicants regardless of identity, background, or perspective.