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S04-D | Gemini | Observation 1
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Exact question
Which recruitment firms can help us hire a UK-based Payroll Transformation Director with experience keeping payroll running while moving UK and European operations onto new systems? We need a senior programme owner who can work across HR, finance and IT.
Complete saved answer
To recruit a senior Payroll Transformation Director capable of navigating complex multi-jurisdictional rollout (UK + Continental Europe), maintaining business-as-usual (BAU) payroll integrity, and acting as the bridge between HR, Finance, and IT/Tech, you will want to engage specialist search and interim leadership firms.
Because this role sits at the intersection of three functional areas, the most suitable firms fall into three key categories:
1. Specialist HR & Payroll Recruitment Consultancies
Firms that focus strictly on HR and Payroll have deep functional networks of programme directors who specialize specifically in enterprise payroll cutovers and European localization.
Frazer Jones
Focus: Global HR and Payroll executive search.
Why them: They maintain a dedicated executive search and interim practice specifically for senior HR Operations and Payroll leaders. They frequently place leaders managing pan-European payroll transitions and system migrations (e.g., Workday, SuccessFactors, ADP GlobalView, Dayforce).
Macmillan Davies
Focus: Specialist HR & People Transformation recruitment in the UK.
Why them: Excellent track record for short-notice interim leadership roles for HR systems (HRIS), global payroll transformation, and shared services re-architecting.
2. Multi-Disciplinary & Finance/IT Transformation Executive Search
Because your lead needs to sit comfortably between Finance, HR, and IT/Tech , cross-functional interim search specialists are often the best suited to source leaders who understand both the technical implementation (IT), account balance reconciliation and governance (Finance), and employee experience/change management (HR).
Robert Walters (Executive Search & Interim)
Focus: Executive Interim and Tech/Finance Transformation.
Why them: Strong footprint across Europe and the UK. Their dedicated Business Transformation practice specialises in senior programme directors who manage dual-track initiatives (maintaining legacy operational delivery while implementing new platforms).
Marks Sattin
Focus: Finance, Tech, and Business Transformation Executive Search.
Why them: Very strong in placing interim transformation leaders who understand regulatory compliance, finance governance, and tech integration across UK and European entities.
Badenoch + Clark / LHH (Adecco Group)
Focus: Senior Finance, HR, and IT leadership.
Why them: Large European presence, making them adept at sourcing UK-based directors who have managed cross-border deployments involving European labor laws, Works Councils, and local tax authorities.
3. Niche Interim & Executive Leadership Networks
If speed-to-deploy is critical—or if you prefer an interim management solution (e.g., 6–18 month contract duration to lead the transformation)—these niche platforms specialize in high-impact change leaders.
Leathwaite
Focus: Executive Interim and Functional Leadership.
Why them: Known for placing board-adjacent transformation heads across Corporate Functions (HR, Tech, Finance, Operations) who excel at stakeholder management across matrixed organisations.
B2E Consulting
Focus: Transformation and Programme Management network.
Why them: They operate a gig-economy network of senior transformation directors and offer gig-based or full interim programme leads with deep operational payroll background.
Recommended Key Profile Criteria for Search Briefs
When briefing your chosen search firm, ensure you emphasize the following mandatory competencies:
| Dimension | Critical Skills to Specify |
| --- | --- |
| Operational Continuity (BAU) | Proven track record of parallel running and dual-processing to guarantee zero missed payroll cycles during cutover. |
| Cross-Functional Bridge | Experience balancing requirements across HR (people/policy), Finance (general ledger mapping, SOX/compliance), and IT (data integration, platform architecture). |
| European Localization | Hands-on experience navigating Works Councils , local European statutory compliance (GDPR, country-specific tax rules), and multi-currency payroll aggregators. |
| Vendor Management | Track record holding enterprise software vendors (ADP, Workday, Ceridian/Dayforce, Personio) accountable to delivery timelines. |
Would you like help drafting a detailed Executive Search Brief / Role Profile tailored for recruitment agencies for this mandate?
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