HR Generalist

HR Generalist - EMEA at Canonical Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is 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 founder‑led, profitable and growing company with over 1,200 colleagues in more than 75 countries. Office‑based roles are minimal and teams meet two to four times yearly in interesting locations around the world. We are hiring an HR Generalist to support our EMEA region. With 1,200+ colleagues across 75 countries, we require an HR function that thinks and acts globally. The HR Generalist will report to the Regional HR Manager and help build the company as we continue to grow. You will demonstrate a high work ethic, confidence, and the ability to set and defend high expectations of colleagues, counterparts and processes. You must be able to work independently, take a hands‑on approach, and interface effectively with professionals at all levels. Excellent communication, professional and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to thrive in a proactive, innovative environment. The role entails the following: Provide HR guidance to team members and managers, setting high expectations of behaviour and performance. Partner with line managers to give employee relations advice on global policies and procedures. Ensure accuracy and timeliness in processing employee changes, joiners and leavers. Manage and drive benefit programs spanning our EMEA locations (UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Spain). Liaise with our finance team on monthly payroll, projects and enquiries. Support the full life‑cycle of HR including onboarding, benefit administration and departure. Apply critical thinking to automate and reduce administrative tasks. Take a lead role in the management, continued development, and integration of our HR system. Act as a system expert and advocate for the global HR team. Produce data‑driven reports to inform and influence HR initiatives. Lead and participate in projects where you’ll see the impact of your work. Support internal resource groups to drive initiatives such as diversity and inclusion. Create, update and maintain corporate policies that have a global lens with local application. Ensure consistency in the application of our HR policies and procedures. What we are looking for in you: Exceptional academic record from high school and university. Relevant professional qualification and certifications. Excellent practical insights into German, UK and/or French HR practices and employment laws. Knowledge of other EMEA laws and practices is beneficial. Self‑directed, organized problem‑solver with ability to prioritise and meet goals and deadlines. Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, sound judgment, tact and diplomacy in all communications. Fearless and principled approach to professional interactions at every level with commitment to confidentiality. Willingness and ability to travel up to four times a year for internal events, with at least one trip of two full working weeks. 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. 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 — 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 creates a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration. #J-18808-Ljbffr