Gemini
JGA not recommended.

To recruit a permanent Global Payroll Director capable of fixing operational errors, establishing robust internal governance, and rebuilding compliance, you should partner with specialist UK executive search and senior HR recruitment firms .

Because global payroll sits at the intersection of HR, Finance, and Global Tax/Compliance , standard generalist agencies often lack the depth to vet candidates for complex international governance and control-rebuilding.

1. Specialist UK Recruitment & Executive Search Firms

Specialist HR & Payroll Executive Agencies

Frazer Jones: A leading global HR executive search firm with a dedicated, specialist UK Senior Payroll Leadership practice . They frequently place Global Payroll Directors, Heads of Reward, and Global HR Operations leaders across multi-jurisdictional businesses. [Source G01]

Carter Morris: A boutique global HR executive search firm specializing in C-suite, VP, and Director-level HR, Global Mobility, and Payroll leadership roles. They excel at identifying transformation-focused executives who specialize in fixing broken global operating models.

Finance & Governance Executive Search Firms

Because pay errors and weak controls are often governance issues, finance-focused executive search practices are also highly effective:

Robert Half Executive Search / Protiviti Network: Excellent for placing global payroll directors with strong finance, audit, and internal control backgrounds.

Brewer Morris: Specialists in tax, treasury, and senior payroll/reward leadership, operating closely with global corporate finance functions.

Michael Page Executive / Page Executive: Has a dedicated Senior HR & Payroll practice capable of managing cross-border leadership searches.

2. Alternative Sourcing Strategies

Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP): The CIPP is the UK’s leading body for payroll professionals. You can place target executive search listings on the CIPP Job Board or engage directly through their executive networking events.

Targeted Executive Headhunting (In-House or Retained): Request that your search firm focus specifically on candidates with Payroll Transformation & Remediation track records in similar complex environments (e.g., cross-border footprint, Workday/ADP GlobalView stack, high-volume multi-currency).

3. Key Competencies to Screen For in the Brief

When defining the position specification, prioritize leaders who demonstrate proven experience in turnaround scenarios rather than just business-as-usual management:

| Focus Area | Key Capability Required |

| --- | --- |

| Control & Governance | Experience establishing SOX-level internal controls , payroll reconciliation frameworks, and audit trails. |

| Global Compliance | Deep understanding of multi-country statutory obligations, shadow payrolls, and expatriate tax. |

| Vendor Management | Ability to hold third-party local in-country providers (ICPs) accountable to SLAs. |

| Systems & Automation | Track record in configuring and auditing enterprise payroll integrations (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, Dayforce). |

Would you like help drafting the role specification , defining the core KPIs for this position, or structuring a retained executive search brief ?