Product Manager - Networking

Canonical; Manama; Remote; BHD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading open source software provider is seeking a Product Manager focused on Smart Network Interface Cards (Smart NICs) and Top-of-the-Rack (ToR) switches. The ideal candidate will lead product strategy and engagement, requiring deep Linux knowledge, product management experience, and excellent communication skills. This remote role welcomes candidates from the EMEA region and offers a competitive compensation package along with significant learning opportunities.

Benefits

Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000

Annual compensation review

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of Linux and the open source community.
• Experience with Smart NIC and ToR switches software.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 4 times a year.

Responsibilities

• Lead the product development lifecycle for Smart NIC/ToR portfolio.
• Shape development roadmap aligned with customer needs.
• Collaborate across teams to develop go-to-market strategies.

Skills

Linux expertise

Product management experience

Communication and leadership skills

Knowledge of network protocols

Problem-solving skills

Education

Exceptional academic results

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

SONiC

Job description

Company Overview

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 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. Canonical is founder‑led, profitable and growing.

Product Management Opportunity – Networking

This is an application track for a product management position focused on Smart Network Interface Cards (Smart NICs) and Top‑of‑the‑Rack (ToR) switches. The role encompasses leadership of product strategy, go‑to‑market, and community engagement across the Smart NIC and ToR ecosystem. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional with software engineering management experience who can become a business executive and entrepreneur, bringing product strategy and drive engagement to the open source realm.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the product development lifecycle, reviewing priorities and goals for the Smart NIC/ToR portfolio.
• Shape the development roadmap, including feature support and integration with Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core.
• Engage with the Smart NIC and ToR ecosystem and leading customers.
• Enable commercial success and lead product direction.
• Drive go‑to‑market strategy and execution.
• Align business objectives with market needs, gathering customer feedback, conducting usability testing, and iterating product design.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, 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 by reviewing customer feedback and participating in customer meetings.

Qualifications

• Exceptional academic results in high school and university.
• Deep understanding of Linux and the wider open source community.
• Strong technical vision, communication, and leadership skills.
• Product management experience in the software industry (senior positions).
• Deep knowledge of hyperscale and enterprise data centre architecture and high‑parallelism workloads (HPC, AI, Big Data).
• Strong knowledge of network protocols, hardware, kernel, and library layers.
• Understanding of computer architectures: x86, ARM, RISC‑V.
• Familiarity with Smart NIC and ToR switches software, standards, and market trends.
• Experience with Linux networking distributions and software packages such as SONiC, DENT, FRRouting, VyOS, Open Network Linux (ONL), or Cumulus.
• Practical experience with large‑scale network design, implementation, and operation.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 4 times a year for company events.
• Outstanding communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• Curiosity, continuous learning, and a strong sense of ownership.
• Problem‑solving and innovation ability.

Nice‑to‑Have Skills

• Familiarity with vertical markets (Telco, Finance, Industrial, Automotive).
• Knowledge of technology ecosystem including silicon, IHV, ISV, ODM/OEMs, cloud service providers, and channel partners.
• Experience with cloud‑native technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker, and Snaps.
• Embedded and connected device technology and ecosystems.

Location

This role will be based remotely in the EMEA region. Candidates must be located within the region.

What We Offer

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in person.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Annual compensation review and performance‑driven bonus or commission.
• Recognition rewards, annual holiday leave, and paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for company events.

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the publisher of Ubuntu, one of the most important open source projects, we empower AI, IoT, and cloud ecosystems worldwide. We recruit on a global basis and uphold a high standard for talent. Community, collaboration, and excellence are the pillars of our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.