We believe that open source is transforming the way that enterprises solve their business needs. Although open source has been around for thirty years, it is only now fundamental to every corner of the software landscape. Going forward we believe open source will have an even bigger impact as it moves into specialised vertical markets. Our goal is to make open source easier, more reliable and more secure for deployment and development. We strive to be the provider of ‘most software to most companies’, starting with Ubuntu but expanding to cover every class of application on every class of compute. To deliver on that ambition, we select product managers for their intellect and strong drive to advance the open source community. Together, we aim to improve open source quality, outreach, and impact. Our product managers set the vision and the direction to ensure teams deliver the right products in the right markets at the right time. They push the boundaries of the technology landscape to identify and deliver products into new and existing market opportunities.
Our product managers are technology professionals with a software engineering background who strive to become business executives and entrepreneurs. We discuss strategy, plan product development, drive engagement, and promote the open source way. We oversee the entire product lifecycle from conception to delivery, blending technical expertise, strategic thinking, analytics, project management skills and effective communication to ensure products meet both user needs and business objectives.
We have open product manager roles across a wide range of product domains, including:
Ubuntu Platform – Our Ubuntu experience on Desktop, Server, Windows (WSL), Multipass, Gaming, Enterprise, & Hardware Enablement
Ubuntu Pro Services – Our key commercial offerings Ubuntu Pro, Compliance, Standards, Security Engineering, and Managed Services on cloud and on prem
AI/ML & MLOps – Open source AI/ML solutions, AIOps automation, model lifecycle management, Kubeflow, MLFlow, KServe, and AI infrastructure on cloud and edge
IoT – Ubuntu on embedded devices and/or edge servers, device management, and robotics
Cloud – Ubuntu in public and private clouds, promoting automation frameworks, and including technologies such as Kubernetes, MAAS, and LXD
Telco – Open source for Telco’s including technologies and standards related to Core Network, RAN/vRAN, SoNIC, DENT, and SmartNICs
Finance – Open source solutions for financial institutions including trading platforms, blockchain technologies, regulatory compliance, and AI-driven analytics
Automotive – Open source solutions for autonomous driving, in-vehicle infotainment, connected vehicles, and compliance with automotive industry standards such as ISO 26262 and ISO 21434
Application Management – Open source solutions in the enterprise including Observability, IAM, App Stores and technologies such Grafana, GitOps, and Juju Charms
If your domain of expertise isn’t listed above, yet you feel it’s relevant to Canonical, then feel free to apply anyway. We will route you to the most suitable team.
Location: These roles are home based in the EMEA time zone. You will be expected to be located in this region.
The role entails
Lead the product development lifecycle, reviewing the priorities and goals for your product
Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as engineering, design, marketing, and sales
Address common challenges across projects, align on priorities, enable informed decisions, and keep business execution on track
Conduct market research, analyse industry trends, and gather customer feedback to identify opportunities
Communicate your product vision, status updates, and key decisions to ensure alignment and manage expectations
Conduct usability testing, analyse user feedback, and iterate on the product to improve the user experience
Collaborate with marketing, sales, and support teams to develop go-to-market strategies, create product documentation, and provide training
Contribute to the success of our sales team in winning new opportunities, reviewing customer feedback and participating in customer meetings
Oversee the work of a product line, ensuring consistency in strategy and execution across different teams
Facilitate collaboration and resolve conflicts within different teams and across other departments
What we are looking for in you
Exceptional academic results at high school and university
Understanding of Linux and the wider open source software community
Understanding of computer architecture, application development, datacenters, cloud or devices
Passion to write about technologies and the tech landscape
A strong work ethic, and personal interests aligned with the open source movement
Curiosity, and the habit of continuous learning
A strong sense of ownership
Problem solving and the ability to innovate
Outstanding communications skills in English, both verbal and written
For more senior positions, product management experience in the software industry
Ability to manage multiple projects or product lines while maintaining focus on key priorities
Demonstrated leadership in aligning diverse teams and driving consensus around product strategies
Willingness to travel internationally up to 4 times a year for company events up to two weeks long
Additional skills that we value
Familiarity with a particular verticals (e.g. Telco, Finance, Industrial, Automotive)
Familiarity with the technology ecosystem including Silicon, IHV, ISV, ODM/OEMs, cloud service providers and channel
Familiarity with cloud native technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker containers & Snaps
Familiarity with embedded and connected device technology and ecosystems
Familiarity with networking technologies – ethernet, IPv4 and IPv6, routing, firewalling, overlays such as OVN/OVS, VPNs, SR-IOV, infiniband
Familiarity with telco networking – RAN, Core, CPE
Experience in leading distributed teams across different time zones
Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and innovation in team settings
What we offer you
We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognise outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits, which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.
Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
Annual compensation review
Recognition rewards
Annual holiday leave
Maternity and paternity leave
Employee Assistance Program
Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long haul company events
About Canonical
Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects and the platform for AI, IoT and the cloud, we are changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence – in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since its inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future, and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.
Canonical is an equal opportunity employer
We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.
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