To recruit a senior lead for a  multi-country payroll transformation —rather than a day-to-day operational manager—you need recruiters specializing in  Payroll Transformation, HR Technology Implementation, and Business Change .

Because multi-country rollouts require strong governance, vendor management (e.g., ADP, Workday Payroll, Dayforce, Deel), software integration, and target operating model (TOM) design, your best options fall into three main categories:

1. Specialist Payroll Search Agencies

These agencies have dedicated practices for high-level payroll leadership, global transformations, and interim change management.

Middlemore:  A UK executive search firm specifically focused on Global/EMEA Payroll Leadership and Payroll Transformation roles.  They specialize in placing senior interim and permanent leaders who design global operating models and manage vendor rollouts. [Source 1]

Portfolio Payroll (Executive Division): The largest specialist payroll recruiter in the UK. While they cover operational roles, their  Executive Search  team specifically handles Director of Payroll, Head of Global Payroll, and Interim Transformation Leads for enterprise and FTSE businesses. [Source 2]

JGA Recruitment Group: A specialist HR and Payroll recruitment firm that frequently places transformation directors, project managers, and global payroll leads driving systems implementation. [Source 3]

2. Business Transformation & Change Specialists

If your focus is heavily on system integration, PMO, and change management (where global payroll knowledge is paired with formal transformation methodologies like Prince2, Agile, or Prosci), general change management recruiters excel here:

Badenoch + Clark / LHH:  Strong footprint in large-scale HR, finance, and operational transformation interims across the UK.

Investigo (HR & Transformation Practice):  Known for placing high-caliber change managers and program directors specializing in ERP, HR system, and international payroll migrations.

Oakleaf Partnership:  Specialized HR & Payroll recruiters with a dedicated team handling HR systems, payroll transformation, and change management projects.

3. Large International Recruitment Consultancies

For cross-border implementation projects spanning multiple regions (UK, EMEA, APAC, LATAM), global agencies leverage nationwide and international candidate networks:

Robert Walters (HR & Payroll Transformation Division):  Regularly handles Global Payroll Transformation Lead and Senior Systems Implementation roles.

Michael Page / Page Executive:  Excellent for sourcing senior interim program managers experienced in global payroll consolidation.

Hays Senior Finance & HR Transformation:  Highly active in filling contract and permanent program lead roles for ERP and payroll vendor migrations.

Engagement Strategy Recommendation

| Engagement Model | Best Used For... | Typical Candidate Profile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Interim / Contract Lead (6–18 months) | Leading the implementation, managing vendor delivery, and designing the global operating model. | Former Global Heads of Payroll or specialized Transformation Consultants. |
| Permanent Global Payroll Director | Leading the change project end-to-end  and  staying on to run the global team post-go-live. | Executive-level strategic payroll leaders. |

Suggested Next Steps

To help tailor this further:

Are you looking for an interim contractor to lead the transition or a permanent Head of Global Payroll?

Which core payroll software or HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP GlobalView, Dayforce, Ceridian) are in scope for this rollout?
