Senior HR Generalist - EMEA

Location: Via Milano

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Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office‑based roles.

Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.
The company is founder‑led, profitable and growing.
We require an HR function that thinks and acts globally. We're looking for a Senior HR Generalist to offer their expertise to our EMEA region. It's an exciting time to join with the opportunity to help shape and create an HR function for the future. The senior role will serve as a driver and practitioner in both regional and global HR initiatives.

You will join a global team of HR professionals to provide precise, compliant and scalable HR operations to the business, advise and execute on HR issues across the whole employee life‑cycle, and partner with leadership in your region. You will have an analytical approach, a keen eye for detail and the ability to interpret data trends and themes.

Location:

This role will be based remotely in the EMEA region
The role entails

Deliver precise and compliant HR operations in a timely manner and with the highest degree of accuracy
Interact closely with the EMEA HR Manager and the Global Head of HR to create impact across all HR regions
Be accountable for HR processes such as talent development, succession planning, performance assessments, onboarding, culture and engagement initiatives that drive a high‑performing team
Work with managers across the business on performance management, organizational design, employee engagement, rewards‑ and workforce planning
Partner with the HRIS team to develop and refine operational processes for day‑to‑day HR administration
Coach and advise people managers on the full spectrum of employee relations issues across multiple countries
Partner with people managers to support the delivery of appropriate training and development programs
Establish a trusted partnership with the business in your region
Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Design new policies and deliver on business‑critical HR related projects globally

What we are looking for in you

Exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
HR experience leading initiatives across regions within a technology business
Regional HR experience within EMEA (France, Germany and/or UK is a plus), with an understanding of local labor laws, competitive awareness and insights
Experience in business partnering with senior stakeholders
A good balance between leading and executing, in this role you will need to be hands‑on involved in the daily HR routines
Experience mentoring and developing others
Strong project management skills with the ability to define done and keep deliverables on track
Experience working in a remote‑first organization
Able to leverage data to make informed decisions
Fluent in business English (written and spoken)
Self‑motivated, organized, accurate, confident, authentic, results‑oriented, open‑minded and enthusiastic
Willingness to travel up to 4 times a year for internal events

Nice to have skills

Experience with immigration policies and mobility processes
Payroll and/or benefits oversight experience
Knowledge of HR Systems and databases
Professional HR certification(s)
Facilitation skills

What we offer colleagues

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 Programme
Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events

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