Canonical -
Company: Canonical –
WebSite: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Job Description:Canonical, a leading provider of open-source software and operating systems, serves global enterprise and technology markets with solutions built upon the Ubuntu platform. Ubuntu is integral to innovative enterprise initiatives encompassing public cloud, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering innovation, and the Internet of Things. Canonical’s clientele includes prominent public cloud and silicon providers, in addition to industry leaders across diverse sectors. The company operates as a pioneer in global distributed collaboration, employing over 1200 individuals across more than 75 countries with minimal emphasis on traditional office-based roles. To facilitate strategic alignment and execution, teams convene in person two to four times annually at international locations.
As a founder-led, profitable, and expanding organization, Canonical’s Product Management team comprises technologists committed to delivering impactful products and solutions that shape market demand while championing the widespread adoption of open-source software. This announcement pertains to a Product Management position within Canonical’s Ubuntu Desktop division. Candidates possessing exceptional leadership, communication, and technical acumen, coupled with the capacity to drive product strategy aligned with evolving business and open-source community requirements, are encouraged to apply.
Canonical recognizes the transformative influence of open source on enterprise solutions. Despite its thirty-year history, open source is now fundamental to the software landscape. Canonical anticipates an increasing impact as open source permeates specialized vertical markets. The company’s objective is to simplify, enhance the reliability of, and fortify the security of open-source deployment and development. Canonical aspires to be the preeminent provider of software solutions, initially through Ubuntu and subsequently across all application categories and computing platforms. To realize this ambition, Canonical seeks Product Managers characterized by intellectual rigor and a resolute commitment to advancing the open-source community. Collaboratively, the company aims to elevate the quality, outreach, and impact of open source. Product Managers at Canonical define product vision and direction, ensuring timely delivery of appropriate products to relevant markets. They proactively explore the technological landscape to identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
Ubuntu, a widely favored Linux distribution, is utilized by developers globally. Canonical offers a suite of products and services designed to address key challenges encountered in software development and deployment. Candidates with a profound understanding of developer and administrator needs, coupled with a dedication to delivering the premier open-source desktop operating system, are invited to join the team.
This opportunity offers a competitive technology leader the prospect to:
* Drive the vision of our desktop experience
* Lead the roadmap of our desktop product
* Drive our partnership with silicon vendors and OEMs
* Contribute to the largest Linux open source community
* Define future business models taking into account the competitive landscape
* Engage with the the Ubuntu user community, key partners, HW manufacturers, and leading customers, enabling commercial success and driving go-to-market
This role encompasses product leadership and go-to-market strategy, ensuring that the product vision is translated into actionable plans and successful market launches. Canonical’s Product Managers are technology professionals with a software engineering background who strive to become business executives and entrepreneurs. The company discusses strategy, plans product development, drives engagement, and promotes the open source way. Canonical oversees 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.
**Location:** This role is based remotely within the EMEA region. Applicants are expected to reside within this region.
**Responsibilities:**
* Lead the product development lifecycle, establishing priorities and objectives for assigned products.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, design, marketing, and sales.
* Address challenges, align priorities, facilitate informed decision-making, and maintain business execution.
* Conduct market research, analyze industry trends, and gather customer feedback to identify opportunities.
* Articulate product vision, provide status updates, and communicate key decisions to ensure alignment and manage expectations.
* Conduct usability testing, analyze user feedback, and iterate on product design to enhance 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 the sales team in winning new opportunities, reviewing customer feedback and participating in customer meetings.
**Qualifications:**
* Exceptional academic record at the secondary and post-secondary levels.
* Demonstrated understanding of Linux and the broader open-source software community.
* Knowledge of computer architecture, application development, enterprise IT, cloud computing, and related technologies.
* Passion for writing about technologies and the tech landscape.
* Strong work ethic and personal alignment with the open-source movement.
* Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning.
* Strong sense of ownership.
* Problem-solving and innovation capabilities.
* Outstanding communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
* Willingness to travel internationally up to four times per year for company events lasting up to two weeks.
**Preferred Qualifications:**
* Familiarity with the Linux open-source software ecosystem, including window managers (GNOME, KDE), identity management solutions (Entra, Orca, LDAP), and application development frameworks.
* Familiarity with the technology ecosystem including Silicon, IHV, ISV, ODM/OEMs, cloud service providers
* Familiarity with data center, embedded and connected device technology and ecosystems
**Compensation and Benefits:**
Canonical provides a globally competitive compensation package, considering geographic location, experience, and performance. Compensation is reviewed annually, with more frequent reviews for graduates and associates, to recognize exceptional performance. In addition to base salary, the company offers performance-based bonuses or commissions and a comprehensive benefits package aligned with its values and ideals. Benefits are tailored to local needs while maintaining global fairness.
Canonical’s benefits include:
* Distributed work environment with in-person team sprints twice annually.
* 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 technology company at the forefront of the global open-source movement. As the publisher of Ubuntu, a pivotal open-source project and platform for AI, IoT, and cloud computing, Canonical is transforming the software landscape. The company maintains rigorous hiring standards and seeks exceptional individuals who excel in their respective fields. Canonical fosters a forward-thinking, challenging work environment that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth. With a long history of remote work since its inception in 2004, Canonical offers a progressive work experience.
Canonical is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination. The company values diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds, and provides fair consideration to all applicants regardless of identity.
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