Gemini
JGA recommended.

To find an experienced Interim Global Payroll Director —someone capable of driving governance, managing vendor relationships across jurisdictions, and leading team strategy for six months—you should engage specialist payroll/HR recruiters or interim executive search firms , rather than standard contingent staffing agencies.

Here are the primary channels and specific firms in the UK that source senior executive-level interim payroll leadership:

1. Specialist Payroll & Reward Executive Recruiters

These firms specialize specifically in payroll, HR, and reward leadership, maintaining active networks of career interim directors.

JGA Recruitment Group: A leading UK specialist in senior payroll and HR recruitment. They routinely place senior strategic leaders, VP/Directors of Global Payroll, and interim transformation heads.

The Portfolio Group (Portfolio Payroll): The UK’s largest specialist payroll recruitment firm. They have a dedicated Executive Search division for senior leadership roles and interim placements.

Macmillan Davies: Focuses specifically on interim HR, Reward, and Global Payroll leadership roles, providing senior interim managers for transition periods and restructuring.

2. Executive Interim Management Search Firms

For board-level/director-level cover where you need someone to join via a day-rate consulting engagement (inside or outside IR35), generalist interim management practices are often best equipped:

Odgers Berndtson / Interim Partners: Excellent for global corporate governance and executive-level interim coverage.

B2E Consulting or Baringa: Good options if your global payroll needs involve heavy vendor transition, global software implementation (e.g., Workday/ADP/Ceridian), or organizational change during the six-month window.

Robert Walters / Michael Page Executive: Large global recruiters with dedicated executive interim arms specializing in Finance, HR, and Payroll Directors.

3. Independent Global Payroll Consultant Networks

If you prefer to engage directly with proven independent practitioners without agency markups:

The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP): Through CIPP networking channels and executive job boards, you can target seasoned CIPP Fellows and independent payroll consultants.

Global Payroll Association (GPA): Offers network access to specialized international interim leaders who handle complex multi-country compliance and payroll management.

Key Briefing Considerations for an Interim Director

When contacting agencies or consultants, clarify the following upfront to ensure you receive leadership candidates rather than operational managers:

IR35 Status: Specify whether the 6-month assignment sits inside or outside IR35, as this impacts day rates and contractor availability.

Scope of Authority: Clarify whether the interim needs to manage vendor contract renewals, software migrations, or organizational redesign, or simply hold the operational steady state.

Geographic Coverage: List the primary regions (e.g., EMEA, APAC, Americas) to ensure candidate experience matches your vendor footprint.

Would you like advice on structuring the day rates or defining the IR35 and scope parameters for this interim brief?