Country Manager, Canada

About SUSE

SUSE stands as a global frontrunner in enterprise open-source software, transforming community-driven innovations into secure, sovereign, and AI-ready solutions. Our offerings help customers avoid vendor lock-in and reclaim control over their IT infrastructure. Our portfolio spans leading Linux, Kubernetes, Edge, and AI infrastructure solutions, enabling innovation from data centers to multi-cloud and edge environments. SUSE also manages multiple Linux and Kubernetes distributions. Central to our philosophy is choice, community focus, interoperability, and relentless innovation.

Role Overview

We seek a seasoned Country Manager to lead our Canadian operations, tasked with driving revenue growth and overseeing cross-functional sales teams. You will act as the primary SUSE representative in Canada, managing account sales directly and maintaining dotted-line responsibility for Partner Sales and the Solution Architect teams. Your leadership will ensure effective collaboration within a matrix structure to execute growth strategies that boost market presence and partner relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of Canadian revenue targets across all sales channels including direct, partner-led, and inside sales; develop and implement growth strategies aligning with SUSE’s objectives to sustainably expand market share.
• Lead the Account Sales team directly, fostering strong cooperation among Partner, Inside, and Technical Sales teams.
• Collaborate proactively with the Solution Architect team, integrating technical expertise early in sales processes to deliver comprehensive solutions.
• Represent SUSE at industry events and in engagements with leaders, customers, partners, and government entities, enhancing brand visibility and positioning as a trusted market leader.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with CXO-level executives, partners, and key customers, ensuring offerings meet their needs and advocating internally for aligned success.
• Drive inclusive hiring and professional development, fostering a diverse and innovative team culture that encourages varied perspectives and resilience.
• Maintain CRM and sales pipeline hygiene across teams, enabling accurate forecasting, performance monitoring, and strategic adjustments.
• Analyze competitive market landscape and customer insights to refine strategies that differentiate SUSE’s offerings and optimize positioning.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven leadership managing cross-functional teams in a matrix environment, capable of driving collaboration and results across direct and dotted-line reports.
• Experience overseeing multi-channel enterprise sales teams and consistently achieving revenue goals within complex market settings.
• Proficiency in formulating and executing growth strategies that translate corporate objectives into actionable and measurable plans.
• Established track record developing trusted relationships with CXO executives, partners, and internal stakeholders, coupled with public speaking and representation skills.
• Familiarity with SUSE’s product suite, including Linux, cloud infrastructure, container management, and open-source technologies; skilled in sales methodologies such as MEDDPICC and handling complex negotiations.
• Commitment to inclusive recruitment practices and cultivating a collaborative culture embracing diverse viewpoints.
• Strong command of CRM platforms like Salesforce for pipeline management, performance tracking, and data-informed decision making.

What We Offer

SUSE provides an empowering and dynamic environment encouraging boldness and career growth. We prize agility, entrepreneurial spirit, and open-mindedness. This role offers a unique chance to contribute significantly as we scale and succeed. We foster a global community valuing diversity, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives to contribute and thrive.