Gemini
JGA recommended.

Gemini said

To find a Head of Global Payroll based in the UK who understands multi-country compliance (specifically spanning the UK, Europe, and North America), you should target recruitment firms that specialize in Global HR, Reward, and Payroll Executive Search. Generalist agencies often lack the deep networks required to vet multi-jurisdictional tax, statutory compliance, and global payroll technology experience.

The top recruitment firms to speak to for this specific mandate include:

1. Specialist Payroll & Reward Recruiters

JGA Recruitment: One of the UK’s most prominent specialist payroll and HR recruitment agencies. They focus heavily on UK and EMEA/global payroll placements and are deeply plugged into the international payroll network (the firm also hosts major industry touchpoints like The Payroll Podcast). They excel at finding technical and strategic payroll leaders who manage multi-country operations.

jgarecruitment.com

2. Global HR & Executive Search Firms

Frazer Jones: A globally renowned specialist in HR and Reward executive search with a dedicated Payroll and Reward practice (led by specialized directors in London). Because they operate globally across 40+ countries with strong US and European hubs, they regularly place senior leaders who oversee multi-region payroll and human capital management (HCM) transformations.

Frazer Jones

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Carter Morris: A dedicated global HR executive search and recruitment firm focusing exclusively on the HR and reward function worldwide. They handle high-level operational and strategic international roles (including global compensation and benefits, mobility, and payroll leadership) with extensive candidate networks spanning dozens of countries.

www.cartermorris.com

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3. Broad-Scale International Search Firms

If you lean toward a larger global executive search house that can map talent across North America and Europe simultaneously, firms like Morgan Philips UK or global network search firms with strong financial/operations practices (such as page executive) have dedicated corporate governance and reward practices suited for scaling multi-national setups.

Key Questions to Ask These Firms When You Brief Them:

Do you have candidates who have managed dual-hemisphere payroll operations (managing European statutory requirements alongside North American state/federal tax complexities)?

Can they source leaders experienced in migrating or consolidating multi-country payroll vendors (e.g., transitioning to a global EOR or unified platform like Deel, Remote, ADP GlobalView, or Workday Global Payroll)?

Would you like help outlining a role profile or key competencies to look for when interviewing candidates for this global payroll leadership position?