HR Generalist

About the Company

Canonical is a worldwide leader in open source software, best known for developing Ubuntu, a platform widely utilized across various advanced sectors including public cloud, AI, data science, engineering, and Internet of Things. With over 1,200 employees spread across more than 75 countries, the company emphasizes distributed collaboration and meets in person a few times each year globally to align its strategies. Canonical is founder-led, profitable, and continuing its expansion.

Role Overview

We are seeking an HR Generalist to join our growing global team reporting to the Regional HR Manager. This role involves supporting the organization through significant growth by shaping and enhancing the HR function for the future. A successful candidate will exhibit strong work ethics, independence, and the confidence to uphold high standards for colleagues and processes. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to thrive in a dynamic and innovative work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Offer HR guidance to employees and managers, establishing high behavioural and performance expectations.
• Collaborate with line managers to provide employee relations support adhering to global policies and standards.
• Manage accurate and timely processing of employee lifecycle events including onboarding and departures.
• Oversee and drive benefits programs for either EMEA (UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain) or AMER (US, Canada, Brazil) regions.
• Coordinate with finance on payroll, projects, and related queries.
• Lead efforts to streamline HR administrative tasks via automation.
• Take charge of managing, developing, and integrating the HR system while serving as a subject matter expert and advocate across the global HR team.
• Generate data-driven reports to inform and guide HR initiatives.
• Lead and participate in impactful projects within the HR domain.
• Support internal resource groups to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Create, update, and maintain globally minded corporate policies applied locally, ensuring consistency in policy application across various teams.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Strong academic achievement from both high school and university levels.
• Relevant professional HR qualifications and certifications.
• In-depth practical knowledge of HR practices and employment laws in either the EMEA or AMER regions.
• Organized and self-motivated problem solver capable of prioritization and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to handle communications with discretion, sound judgement, tact, and diplomacy.
• Confident and principled in professional interactions with a strong commitment to confidentiality.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to four times a year, including at least one extended two-week trip.

Employee Benefits

• Distributed work environment with biannual in-person team meetings.
• Annual personal learning and development budget of $2,000 USD.
• Regular performance-based compensation reviews and annual bonuses.
• Recognition programs and rewards for outstanding contributions.
• Full annual holiday entitlement and parental leave benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program for support.
• Opportunities to travel to new destinations for meetings with colleagues.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-distance corporate events.

Additional Information

Canonical promotes equal opportunity in employment and fosters a work environment free from discrimination. The company values diversity and inclusiveness as foundational to creating a positive workplace and superior products. The majority of Canonical staff have worked remotely since 2004, with this role based onsite in Canada.