Gemini: both observations

To handle both an immediate six-month interim deployment and a retained executive search for a permanent Global Head of Payroll , you should target specialist UK recruitment agencies that have dedicated international payroll desks and proven executive-level capabilities.

Here are the top UK specialist recruitment firms best suited for this requirement:

Recommended Specialist Payroll Recruiters

1. JGA Recruitment Group

Overview: A leading specialist recruitment agency dedicated solely to Payroll and HR, with deep experience handling global and senior-level roles.

Why contact them: They offer both interim management and executive search solutions. They host the popular Payroll Podcast and maintain extensive talent networks across complex multi-country payroll environments.

Best for: Speed to market for interim cover and active headhunting for global payroll leadership.

2. Frazer Jones (Part of The SR Group)

Overview: A premier international HR and Reward/Payroll executive search consultancy.

Why contact them: They have a dedicated UK and global Payroll practice headed by specialist directors. They excel at dual-track assignments (supplying an immediate interim while concurrently conducting a global retained search).

Best for: Global matrix organisations needing complex, multi-jurisdiction payroll leaders.

3. Middlemore

Overview: A boutique executive search firm focusing specifically on Global Payroll, Reward, and HR Transformation leadership.

Why contact them: Unlike high-volume agencies, Middlemore operates on a retained, consultative basis tailored to senior leadership (Global Heads, VPs, Directors). They cover both interim executive contracts and permanent placements.

Best for: High-touch headhunting when you need a leader with specific enterprise system experience (e.g., Workday, ADP GlobalView) or complex tax/compliance capabilities.

4. Portfolio Payroll (The Portfolio Group)

Overview: The largest dedicated payroll recruiter in the UK.

Why contact them: Corporate partners with the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP), they have a dedicated Executive & Senior Management division and an extensive database of immediately available interim directors.

Best for: Rapid deployment of seasoned interim leaders within 24–48 hours.

Strategy for Managing the Transition

| Step | Action | Focus Area |

| --- | --- | --- |

| 1. Briefing the Interim | Prioritise handover/onboarding capacity and multi-country payroll stability over transformation. | Immediate risk mitigation & global team continuity |

| 2. Dual-Track Engagement | Brief the same agency (or partner search boutique) for both interim and permanent roles to keep messaging aligned. | Seamless handover to permanent hire |

| 3. Interim Objectives | Task the interim lead with evaluating current operational risks and documentation before the permanent hire arrives. | Value-add during 6-month tenure |

Would you like advice on structuring the compensation or key competencies to specify in the brief for a Global Head of Payroll?

Replacing a Global Head of Payroll requires a dual-track approach: placing an immediate, high-calibre interim leader within days to maintain business continuity across multi-country compliance and operations, while simultaneously conducting a thorough executive search for the permanent appointment. [Source G01]

Because this is a senior executive role overseeing complex, multi-jurisdictional payroll, you should engage specialist firms with dedicated Payroll, Reward, & Interim Executive practices .

1. Top Specialist Payroll & HR Executive Search Agencies

Frazer Jones

Best for: Global reach, dedicated senior payroll/reward search, and fast interim placement. [Source G02]

Why contact them: Frazer Jones is a premier HR, Reward, and Payroll executive search firm. They have a specialized UK leadership team specifically handling senior Payroll & Reward (e.g., Head of Payroll practice) and a dedicated Interim HR & Operations division. They are well-positioned to place an interim global leader within 5–10 business days while executing a global search for the permanent replacement. [Source G03]

Portfolio Payroll (The Portfolio Group)

Best for: Deepest niche payroll candidate database in the UK.

Why contact them: Recognised as the UK’s largest specialist payroll recruiter. They have an Executive Search division that handles Head of Payroll and Director-level placements, alongside a robust temporary/interim solutions desk that can deploy senior contractors on short notice.

JGA Recruitment Group

Best for: Specialist global payroll and HR transformations. [Source G04]

Why contact them: JGA is a boutique recruitment agency specialising purely in Payroll & HR . They frequently place senior interim directors and permanent heads of global payroll for multinational corporations and have extensive networks across global payroll software, compliance, and vendor management.

Macmillan Davies

Best for: Senior interim HR, payroll, and reward leaders. [Source G05]

Why contact them: A leading UK specialist in interim leadership and reward/payroll operations. If your global payroll function sits close to HR/People Operations, Macmillan Davies excels at sourcing interim executive directors who can manage transition, vendor relationships, and global governance. [Source G06]

2. General Executive Search & Large Consultancies

If your payroll setup is heavily integrated into finance or global shared service centres, major multi-discipline recruitment firms with dedicated Interim Management & Executive Search practices are strong alternatives:

Robert Walters (Payroll & Reward Practice): Has broad international coverage and a well-established executive/interim payroll practice across the UK and EMEA.

Michael Page / Page Executive: Their Human Resources & Payroll executive search team can manage senior dual-track interim and permanent assignments across UK and global markets.

Recommended Next Steps & Immediate Briefing Strategy

Dual-Track Briefing: Engage 1 or 2 specialist agencies (e.g., Frazer Jones + Portfolio Payroll ) under an exclusive or key supplier agreement. Request a dual brief: [Source G07]

Track 1 (Interim): Immediate shortlist within 48–72 hours for a 6-month contract or day-rate consultant.

Track 2 (Permanent): Mapping and headhunting campaign (4–8 week cycle) for the permanent replacement.

Clarify Interim Scope: Define whether the interim leader needs to focus purely on "steady-state" payroll delivery or if they need project expertise (e.g., system implementation, vendor RFP, international expansion).

Would you like help with any of the following?

Drafting a 6-month Interim Global Head of Payroll job description or day-rate benchmarking.

Key interview screening questions for testing global compliance and multi-country vendor governance.