Product Manager - Ubuntu

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.

Canonical is founder‑led, profitable and growing. Our product management team are technologists who have a passion for delivering products and solutions that help shape market demands while elevating open‑source software everywhere. This is a general application track for the product‑management positions at Canonical. You will set a clear product vision, prioritize work effectively, and ensure the team delivers high‑quality products that meet business and user needs. Apply if you excel at leadership, communication and technical vision, and believe you can drive product strategy for tomorrow’s business needs. During the interview process we will identify specific software products that would be a good fit for your interests.

Product domains

• Ubuntu Platform – our Ubuntu experience on Desktop, Server, Windows (WSL), Multipass, Gaming, Enterprise, and Hardware Enablement
• Ubuntu Pro Services – Ubuntu Pro, Compliance, Standards, Security Engineering, and Managed Services on cloud and on‑prem
• AI/ML & MLOps – open‑source AI/ML solutions, AIOps automation, model lifecycle management, Kubeflow, MLFlow, KServe, and AI infrastructure on cloud and edge
• IoT – Ubuntu on embedded devices and/or edge servers, device management, and robotics
• Cloud – Ubuntu in public and private clouds, promoting automation frameworks, and including technologies such as Kubernetes, MAAS, and LXD
• Telco – open‑source for telco, including technologies and standards related to core network, RAN/vRAN, SoNIC, DENT, and SmartNICs
• Finance – open‑source solutions for financial institutions including trading platforms, blockchain technologies, regulatory compliance, and AI‑driven analytics
• Automotive – open‑source solutions for autonomous driving, in‑vehicle infotainment, connected vehicles, and compliance with automotive industry standards such as ISO 26262 and ISO 21434
• Application Management – open‑source solutions in the enterprise including observability, IAM, app stores and technologies such as Grafana, GitOps, and Juju charms

Role responsibilities

• Lead the product development lifecycle, reviewing priorities and goals for your product
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams such as engineering, design, marketing, and sales
• Address common challenges across projects, align on priorities, enable informed decisions, and keep business execution on track
• Conduct market research, analyze industry trends, and gather customer feedback to identify opportunities
• Communicate your product vision, status updates, and key decisions to ensure alignment and manage expectations
• Conduct usability testing, analyze user feedback, and iterate on the product to improve the user experience
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and support teams to develop go‑to‑market strategies, create product documentation, and provide training
• Contribute to the success of our sales team in winning new opportunities, reviewing customer feedback, and participating in customer meetings
• Oversee the work of a product line, ensuring consistency in strategy and execution across different teams
• Facilitate collaboration and resolve conflicts within different teams and across other departments

What we’re looking for

• Exceptional academic results at high‑school and university level
• Understanding of Linux and the wider open‑source software community
• Understanding of computer architecture, application development, datacenters, cloud or devices
• Passion to write about technologies and the tech landscape
• A strong work ethic and personal interests aligned with the open‑source movement
• Curiosity and a habit of continuous learning
• A strong sense of ownership
• Problem‑solving and the ability to innovate
• Outstanding communication skills in English, both verbal and written
• For more senior positions, product‑management experience in the software industry
• Ability to manage multiple projects or product lines while maintaining focus on key priorities
• Demonstrated leadership in aligning diverse teams and driving consensus around product strategies
• Willingness to travel internationally up to four times a year to company events up to two weeks long

Additional skills we value

• Familiarity with particular verticals (e.g., telco, finance, industrial, automotive)
• Familiarity with the technology ecosystem including silicon, IHV, ISV, ODM/OEMs, cloud service providers and channel partners
• Familiarity with cloud‑native technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker containers & Snap
• Familiarity with embedded and connected device technology and ecosystems
• Familiarity with networking technologies – Ethernet, IPv4 and IPv6, routing, firewalling, overlays such as OVN/OVS, VPNs, SR‑IOV, InfiniBand
• Familiarity with telco networking – RAN, core, CPE
• Experience in leading distributed teams across different time zones
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and innovation in team settings

What we offer you

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly in‑person team sprints
• 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 Program
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass, and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events

Location: These roles are home‑based in the EMEA time zone. You will be expected to be located in this region.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Product Management and Marketing – Industries: Software Development

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.