Lead HR Generalist, Americas

About The Company

Canonical is a pioneering technology company renowned for its leadership in open source software and operating systems. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most influential open source platforms, Canonical plays a critical role in advancing enterprise initiatives across the globe. The company's solutions are integral to breakthroughs in public cloud, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering innovation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Canonical's diverse customer base includes leading public cloud providers, silicon manufacturers, and industry leaders across various sectors, reflecting its broad impact on the technology landscape.

Founded with a vision to foster open source innovation, Canonical operates with a globally distributed team of over 1,200 professionals across more than 75 countries. The company emphasizes a flexible, remote-first work environment, with team members meeting in person two to four times annually in interesting locations worldwide to align on strategy and collaboration. Canonical is a founder-led, profitable organization experiencing continuous growth, driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Its unique approach to global collaboration and commitment to diversity make it an exciting place to build a career in the technology sector.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Lead HR Generalist to join our team, focusing on the Americas region. This senior role is instrumental in shaping and executing Canonical’s HR initiatives across the region, ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and alignment with global HR strategies. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted partner to regional leadership, providing expert guidance on employee relations, talent development, organizational design, and culture initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of HR at Canonical, contributing to a high-performance, inclusive, and innovative work environment.

The Lead HR Generalist will work closely with the Americas HR Manager and the Global Head of HR to deliver precise HR operations, manage talent lifecycle processes, and support organizational growth. The role requires an analytical mindset, keen attention to detail, and the ability to interpret data trends to inform decision-making. As part of a global HR team, you will lead projects, develop policies, and implement initiatives that enhance employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This role is remote-based within the Americas region, offering flexibility and the chance to work with a dynamic, global team committed to excellence and innovation.

Qualifications

• Exceptional academic record from high school and university
• Significant HR experience leading initiatives within a technology or software business
• Regional HR experience in Latin America, particularly Brazil and/or Mexico, with knowledge of local labor laws and market insights
• Proven experience in business partnering with senior stakeholders
• Hands-on experience managing daily HR routines and processes
• Experience mentoring and developing HR teams or professionals
• Strong project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
• Experience working in a remote-first organizational environment
• Ability to leverage data analytics for informed decision-making
• Fluency in business English, both written and spoken
• Self-motivated, organized, accurate, confident, results-oriented, and open-minded
• Willingness to travel up to four times annually for internal or regional events
  
  

Nice-to-have skills include experience with immigration policies, payroll and benefits management, HR systems knowledge, professional HR certifications, and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate, compliant, and timely HR operations across the region
• Collaborate closely with the Americas HR Manager and Global HR team to implement strategic HR initiatives
• Manage talent development programs, succession planning, performance assessments, onboarding, and engagement initiatives to foster a high-performing team
• Partner with managers on performance management, organizational design, employee engagement, and workforce planning
• Work with the HRIS team to optimize HR administrative processes and systems
• Coach and advise managers on employee relations issues across multiple countries, ensuring legal compliance and best practices
• Support training and development programs aligned with business needs and employee growth
• Establish and maintain trusted relationships with regional business leaders
• Lead and support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to promote an inclusive workplace culture
• Design and implement new HR policies and lead global HR projects that are critical to business success
  
  

Benefits

• Distributed work environment with opportunities for in-person team sprints
• Annual personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000
• Regular salary reviews and performance-based recognition rewards
• Generous annual leave policy
• Maternity and paternity leave provisions
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal and professional support
• Opportunities to travel and meet colleagues in different locations
• Travel benefits, including Priority Pass and upgrades for company events
  
  

Equal Opportunity

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds enhances our ability to innovate and succeed. All qualified applicants will receive fair consideration for employment, and we are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission.