ChatGPT
JGA recommended.

For a medium-sized UK business replacing a departing Payroll Manager, I’d start with specialist payroll recruiters rather than a generalist recruitment agency . You need someone who can take ownership of the day-to-day UK payroll operation permanently, maintain compliance and ensure employees continue to be paid accurately and on time.

These are the recruiters I’d shortlist. They offer relevant payroll recruitment services, including permanent placements, and several specifically cater to SMEs. Portfolio Payroll +3

Recommended recruiters

1. Portfolio Payroll

Best starting point

A dedicated payroll recruiter covering permanent, temporary and executive appointments. They interview candidates before submitting them and explicitly support SMEs as well as larger organisations. A strong first call for a hands-on replacement. Portfolio Payroll +1

London: 020 7247 9455

[Website and vacancy registration](https://www.theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/register-a-vacancy/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

2. JGA Recruitment

A payroll and HR specialist recruiting Payroll Managers, Payroll Supervisors and Administrators across the UK. Worth approaching if you need a recruiter who understands the distinction between managing the payroll function and simply processing payroll transactions. JGA Recruitment +1

Harpenden: 01727 800 377

[Website and employer enquiries](https://jgarecruitment.com/payroll-jobs-london/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

3. McKinnon Talent

A payroll-only recruitment business covering roles from administrators through to senior leadership. It recruits across in-house payroll, outsourced providers and payroll bureaux, making it useful for finding someone with experience in a business similar to yours. Mckinnon Talent +1

Telephone: 0161 507 0011

[Website and register a vacancy](https://www.mckinnontalent.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

4. Payroll Elite

An established payroll and HR recruitment specialist serving employers across the UK. Its permanent recruitment offering and candidate vetting make it another relevant option for a straightforward replacement hire. Payroll Elite Payroll Recruitment +1

London: 020 3815 7064

[Website and recruitment services](https://www.payrollelite.co.uk/About-Us.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

5. Oakleaf Partnership

A good alternative if payroll sits within a wider HR, reward or shared-services function. Its payroll team recruits permanent and interim professionals at manager level and above, with UK-wide coverage. Oakleaf +1

Telephone: 020 7220 7030

[Payroll recruitment team](https://www.oakleafpartnership.com/business-areas/payroll/payroll-capabilities?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

What I would ask recruiters to find

For your situation, I would brief them on a permanent, hands-on UK Payroll Manager who can take responsibility for:

• End-to-end payroll processing, including monthly or weekly pay runs and payroll reconciliations.

• HMRC submissions, PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and year-end reporting.

• Workplace pensions and auto-enrolment.

• Starters, leavers, employee changes and payroll queries.

• Your existing payroll software and liaison with HR and Finance.

• A structured handover from the departing manager, if time permits.

Make clear whether this is a sole-charge role (one person runs payroll independently) or whether the manager will lead a payroll team. That distinction will affect the candidates and salary level the recruiters recommend.

My recommendation

Contact Portfolio Payroll, JGA Recruitment and McKinnon Talent first. Ask each for a small, relevant shortlist of candidates with proven UK payroll experience, their fee terms, and the likely time to fill the vacancy. If the outgoing manager leaves before a permanent hire can start, ask whether they can also supply interim cover.

One question that would help me narrow this down further: where in the UK is the business based? I can then prioritise recruiters with the strongest coverage for your location and likely candidate pool.