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CanonicalExecutive Search Lead - Technology
Canonical, the publisher of the Ubuntu operating system, is hiring an Executive Search Lead to focus on the technology sector. Operating as a globally distributed company…
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About This Role
Canonical, the publisher of the Ubuntu operating system, is hiring an Executive Search Lead to focus on the technology sector. Operating as a globally distributed company since 2004, Canonical provides open-source solutions utilized in artificial intelligence, the cloud, Internet of Things, and data science. This role belongs to the Talent Science team, which applies objective and scientifically rigorous methods to organizational hiring rather than traditional recruiting. The position is remote-first,…
Job Description
Canonical, the publisher of the Ubuntu operating system, is hiring an Executive Search Lead to focus on the technology sector. Operating as a globally distributed company since 2004, Canonical provides open-source solutions utilized in artificial intelligence, the cloud, Internet of Things, and data science. This role belongs to the Talent Science team, which applies objective and scientifically rigorous methods to organizational hiring rather than traditional recruiting.
The position is remote-first, based in EMEA, and requires individuals to work independently while coordinating with global stakeholders. The successful candidate will guide and coach senior leadership teams to source, approach, and attract executive-level talent. Responsibilities include building strategic sourcing pipelines, conducting behavioral interviews, driving talent analytics using SQL or Python, and removing unconscious bias to support diversity and inclusion goals. Team members gather in person two to four times a year in international locations for strategy and execution alignment.
Canonical evaluates compensation based on geographic location, individual performance, and experience, with reviews taking place annually alongside performance-driven bonuses. Additional benefits include a personal professional development budget, maternity and paternity leave, annual holiday leave, an employee assistance program, and travel perks for company events.
Responsibilities
- Develop executive search strategies that allow headhunted talent to transition smoothly through the pipeline
- Coach senior management teams on how to approach, attract, and source top leadership talent
- Use SQL or Python to analyze talent data and provide real-time operational insights
- Conduct thorough behavioral interviews to evaluate candidate motivations and behaviors
- Partner with global stakeholders to monitor hiring activities and maintain consistent operational processes
- Drive continuous improvement for hiring outcomes while championing diversity and inclusion
Requirements
- Professional headhunting experience from an in-house search function or a reputable executive search firm within the technology sector
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills utilizing SQL or Python to identify patterns and trends in data
- Proficiency with LinkedIn talent modules
- Experience performing competency-based and behavioral interviews
- High level of personal organization required for remote work efficiency
- Willingness to travel internationally for company gatherings two to four times a year
Qualifications
- Bachelors or Masters degree in a people-based subject or Psychology
- High school level background in mathematics
- Exposure or familiarity with psychometric assessments
- Experience with advanced statistical and analytical data interrogation
- Familiarity with Thomas International, Greenhouse ATS, and DISC profiling tools
- Knowledge of psychometric reliability and validity metrics
Core Skills
Benefits
- Annual compensation reviews
- Performance-driven annual bonus
- Distributed work environment with twice-yearly in-person team sprints
- USD 2,000 annual personal learning and development budget
- Annual holiday leave
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long-haul company events
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers are based only on the employer’s listing; where it doesn’t say, neither do we.
Is this role remote?
Yes, this is a remote-first position based in the EMEA region. Team members are expected to travel internationally for company events two to four times a year.
What tools or technical skills are required?
The role requires strong analytical problem-solving abilities using SQL or Python to identify trends in data, along with proficiency in LinkedIn talent modules.
What education background is expected?
An exceptional academic background is requested, which includes a Bachelors or Masters degree in a people-based subject or Psychology, plus a good high school level of Maths.
What is the salary for this position?
The job posting does not specify the salary. Compensation is shaped by geographical location, experience, and performance, and is reviewed annually alongside performance-driven bonuses.
Sample Interview Questions
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