Global Head of Legal & Compliance — Tech & Open Source

Canonical Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Distributed work environment

Learning budget USD 2,000 per year

Bi-annual compensation review

40 days annual leave

Maternity and paternity leave

Wellness Platform

Priority Pass lounge access for travel

Job summary

Canonical is seeking a General Counsel to lead its global Legal and Compliance function from our London base. You will own governance, licensing strategy for open source, IP, and regulatory compliance, while advising the Board and partnering with product and engineering on licensing and risk.

The role requires senior in-house experience in a technology company, leading distributed teams across regions, and building a high-performing legal function in a growth-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in law and active practice licence in an EMEA or Americas jurisdiction.
• Substantial senior in-house experience in a global technology or software business.
• Proven experience leading a distributed legal team and governing for a public company.

Responsibilities

• Lead Canonical’s global Legal and Compliance function across EMEA and the Americas.
• Own corporate governance, structure, and delegated authority with Finance.
• Advise the CEO, COO, CFO and the Board, supporting in Board and committee meetings.
• Develop and manage the commercial contracting framework and licensing strategy.
• Oversee data protection, export controls, antibribery, competition, and AI regulation.
• Manage litigation, regulatory engagements, and outside counsel relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Open source licensing

IP & trademarks

Data protection & privacy

Public company governance

Global team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Law degree

Active license to practice

Job description

Canonical is seeking a General Counsel to lead its global Legal and Compliance function from our London base. You will own governance, licensing strategy for open source, IP, and regulatory compliance, while advising the Board and partnering with product and engineering on licensing and risk.

The role requires senior in-house experience in a technology company, leading distributed teams across regions, and building a high-performing legal function in a growth-focused environment.