Senior HR Generalist - EMEA

Senior HR Generalist - EMEA

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Canonical Group Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive HR initiatives and support employee engagement across the EMEA region.
  • Company: Join Canonical, a leader in open source software with a global presence.
  • Benefits: Remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate globally with a diverse team and make a real impact.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of HR in a dynamic, innovative tech environment.
  • Qualifications: HR experience in technology, strong project management, and regional knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

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. The company is founder led, profitable and growing. We require an HR function that thinks and acts globally.

We’re looking for a Senior HR Generalist to offer their expertise to our EMEA region. It’s an exciting time to join with the opportunity to help shape and create an HR function for the future. The senior role will serve as a driver and practitioner in both regional and global HR initiatives. You will join a global team of HR professionals to provide precise, compliant and scalable HR operations to the business, advise and execute on HR issues across the whole employee life‑cycle, and partner with leadership in your region. You will have an analytical approach, a keen eye for detail and the ability to interpret data trends and themes.

Location: This role will be based remotely in the EMEA region.

The role entails:

  • Deliver precise and compliant HR operations in a timely manner and with the highest degree of accuracy.
  • Interact closely with the EMEA HR Manager and the Global Head of HR to create impact across all HR regions.
  • Be accountable for HR processes such as talent development, succession planning, performance assessments, onboarding, culture and engagement initiatives that drive a high performing team.
  • Work with managers across the business on performance management, organizational design, employee engagement, rewards and workforce planning.
  • Partner with the HRIS team to develop and refine operational processes for day to day HR administration.
  • Coach and advise people managers on the full spectrum of employee relations issues across multiple countries.
  • Partner with people managers to support the delivery of appropriate training and development programs.
  • Establish a trusted partnership with the business in your region.
  • Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
  • Design new policies and deliver on business‑critical HR related projects globally.

What we are looking for in you:

  • Exceptional academic track record from both high school and university.
  • HR experience leading initiatives across regions within a technology business.
  • Regional HR experience within EMEA (France, Germany and/or UK is a plus), with an understanding of local labour laws, competitive awareness and insights.
  • Experience in business partnering with senior stakeholders.
  • A good balance between leading and executing; in this role you will need to be hands‑on involved in the daily HR routines.
  • Experience mentoring and developing others.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to define done and keep deliverables on track.

Senior HR Generalist - EMEA employer: Canonical Group Ltd

Canonical is an exceptional employer that champions a global, remote work culture, allowing you to collaborate with talented colleagues from over 75 countries while enjoying the flexibility of working from anywhere in the EMEA region. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape HR initiatives that drive diversity, equity, and inclusion, alongside a commitment to professional development through mentoring and training programs. Join us at Canonical, where your contributions will directly impact our innovative open-source solutions and help us continue to lead in the technology sector.

Canonical Group Ltd

Contact Details:

Canonical Group Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior HR Generalist - EMEA

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Canonical Group Ltd!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Canonical Group Ltd.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Generalist - EMEA

HR Operations
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Employee Relations
Talent Development
Performance Management
Organisational Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Canonical Group Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Canonical Group Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Canonical Group Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Canonical Group Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Canonical Group Ltd

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Canonical Group Ltd.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at Canonical Group Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Canonical Group Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.