All answers / S04-A-claude-r1
S04-A | Claude | Observation 1
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Exact question
We are a UK employer replacing fragmented payroll systems across the UK and Europe. We need a UK-based Payroll Transformation Director who can lead the programme and work with HR, finance and technology teams. Which recruitment firms specialise in this kind of hire?
Complete saved answer
I couldn’t find an independent ranking of firms for this role, so this shortlist is based on who is visibly recruiting at this level.
Strongest fits for a Director-level payroll transformation hire
• Frazer Jones : Its payroll practice is led by John O’Brien, who recruits executive payroll and benefits professionals with UK, EMEA and global remits. Of the firms below, this is the closest to a pure executive payroll specialist. [frazerjones](https://frazerjones.com/nl/consultants/john-obrien)
• Oakleaf Partnership : It describes itself as a specialist HR, reward and payroll recruitment and executive search business. It also has a technology, change and transformation arm covering the UK and EMEA, which suits a programme leader who must straddle payroll and technology. [recruiter](https://recruiter.co.uk/news/2021/11/oakleaf-partnership-launches-new-tct-business-jones-helm)
• Oliver Sanderson : It is an executive search firm that has advertised a Payroll & HR Systems Transformation Lead role for a UK programme unifying payroll and HR systems. That is close to your brief, though that role was interim. [itjobswatch](https://itjobswatch.co.uk/jv/Oliver-Sanderson-Group-PLC/Interim-Payroll-HR-Systems-Transformation-Lead-12-months-FTC-Inside-IR35-Job-England-UK-4w0z1s)
Broader HR recruiters with relevant mandates
• Robert Walters has recruited a Global Payroll Implementation Lead for a multi-country programme with a phased rollout starting in the UK. [robertwalters](https://robertwalters.co.uk/humanresources/jobs/rewardcompensationbenefits/1898940-global-payroll-implementation-lead---1218-months-ftc.html)
• Michael Page Human Resources has recruited a UK Payroll Director who would own payroll transformation, and a Workday-focused payroll transformation role. [personneltoday](https://jobs.personneltoday.com/job/1401668095/uk-payroll-director/)
• Hays has advertised an EMEA Payroll Manager role leading transformation across countries, but at a more junior level than you need. [dwp](https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/details/17686448)
• SR Group is a global HR recruitment specialist across the UK, Europe and beyond, and has placed global payroll transformation roles. [personneltoday](https://jobs.personneltoday.com/job/1401661994/payroll-transformation-manager/)
• Altum Consulting has recruited an interim Global Director of Payroll to lead global payroll transformation, so it is worth a call if you would consider an interim. [itjobswatch](https://itjobswatch.co.uk/jv/Altum-Consulting/Interim-Director-of-Payroll-Job-London-South-East-England-UK-4w1wc9)
Questions to ask any firm
1. Placements: Can they name recent Director-level placements where the person led a multi-country payroll system replacement, not just ran payroll operations?
2. European coverage: Do they have a real network on the Europe side? A UK-based candidate who has led works council consultations or in-country payroll vendor rollouts is hard to find.
3. Candidate profile: Will they look beyond payroll leaders to HR technology and programme directors from the Big Four, systems integrators and large employers that have run Workday, SAP or Oracle payroll programmes?
4. Retained or contingent: For a role this senior, retained or shortlist-based search usually gets better results than contingent recruitment.
5. Permanent or interim: If speed matters, a firm that can offer an interim programme lead while you search for a permanent hire gives you a useful fallback.
If you tell me your payroll platform (such as Workday, SAP, Oracle or ADP) and whether this is permanent or interim, I can help you draft a brief for the firms.
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