Business Services Team Manager

About the Company and Role

Canonical is a global leader in open source software and operating systems, powering influential enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, AI, data science, IoT, and engineering innovation. Ubuntu, their flagship platform, is widely adopted by top public cloud providers, semiconductor companies, and industry leaders across diverse sectors. Founded with a remote-first approach and employing over 1200 people across 80+ countries, the company remains founder-led, profitable, and expanding.

We are seeking a Business Services Team Manager to oversee and enhance the effectiveness of travel, logistics, event management, scheduling, expense policies, and administrative functions. This leadership position demands exceptional coordination, budgeting, procurement expertise, and decision-making in the dynamic technology landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead travel approvals, logistics, and operational processes for complex global activities.
• Manage expense claims review to uphold policy compliance with transparency and fairness.
• Plan and execute large-scale company events quarterly, coordinating travel and logistics for attendees from over 80 countries.
• Provide executive operational support across multiple departments rather than individual personal assistance.
• Coordinate global duty of care, comprehensive health, and safety programs.
• Ensure rigorous event planning, venue selection, scheduling, operational readiness, and safety evaluations, fostering strong relationships with team leaders.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Proven outstanding academic performance at both secondary and university levels.
• Undergraduate degree in a technical or business discipline.
• Demonstrated drive with a history of exceeding expectations.
• Strong leadership capabilities and management experience.
• Sound judgment in financial matters, policy enforcement, and interpersonal interactions.
• Ability to thrive in a multicultural, global organizational environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills combined with curiosity, flexibility, responsibility, accountability, and self-awareness.
• Results-driven with a commitment to fulfilling obligations.
• Willingness and availability to travel up to four times annually for company events lasting up to two weeks.

Desirable Additional Skills

• Experience in the travel industry.
• Project management expertise.
• Skills in event management and operational logistics.
• Background in business and corporate administration.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is determined considering geographical location, experience, and individual performance, with annual reviews to reward excellence. Besides base salary, there is performance-related annual bonus or commission. Benefits reflect company values and include:

• A distributed work model with biannual in-person team gatherings.
• Annual personal development budget of USD 2,000.
• Regular salary review cycles.
• Recognition and reward programs.
• Annual leave entitlement.
• Maternity and paternity leave provisions.
• Employee Assistance Program availability.
• Opportunities to travel internationally to meet colleagues.
• Access to Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long distance company events.

Additional Information

This role is predominantly remote and home-based worldwide, with offices located in London, Taipei, and Beijing for those regions. The team has high accountability and direct influence over company-wide teams, demanding excellent judgment, interpersonal skills, and an ability to enforce policies diplomatically yet firmly. Active participation in all company events from early planning through execution is essential to build relationships and ensure smooth operations.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, providing fair consideration irrespective of identity or background.