JGA STUDY ยท SAVED-TEXT EVIDENCE EXPORT Original answer wording and recorded date preserved. Answer ID: S07-C-gemini-r1 Recorded UTC: 2026-10-19T21:20:16.655Z Product: Gemini Observation: 1 Collection country: UK Access: Dedicated signed-in / Free Model label: Gemini Auto Mode: Free default Auto; Temporary chat EXACT QUESTION We need to replace our Payroll Manager at a medium-sized UK company. Which recruitment agencies would you shortlist for this permanent UK payroll role, and what public evidence supports their relevant experience? FULL SAVED ANSWER For a permanent Payroll Manager position at a medium-sized UK company, it is best to focus on niche payroll specialists and top-tier UK finance recruiters. Recommended Shortlist of Recruitment Agencies 1. Portfolio Payroll (The Portfolio Group) Specialism: Niche specialist dedicated exclusively to payroll recruitment. Public Evidence of Experience: Established Track Record: Operating in the UK payroll market since 1988, making them the largest and longest-standing dedicated payroll recruiter in the UK. CIPP Strategic Partnership: Official Corporate Partner of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP). They leverage this to offer skill testing and bespoke candidate knowledge assessments aligned with CIPP standards. Market Authority: Publishes the widely referenced annual Payroll UK Salary Guide and industry benchmarks. Client Reputation: High ratings on review platforms (No. 1 Recruitment agency rating on Trustpilot) with extensive testimonials across mid-market and enterprise employers. 2. JGA Recruitment Group Specialism: Boutique recruitment agency specializing exclusively in Payroll, HR, and Reward talent. Public Evidence of Experience: Industry Leadership: Led by Nick Day (over 18 years in payroll recruitment), who hosts The Payroll Podcast , a widely recognized industry resource discussing HMRC compliance, software integration, and payroll leadership. Role Expertise: Actively recruits management and leadership-level payroll positions (e.g., Payroll Managers, Implementation Managers, and Payroll Directors) across the UK and EMEA. Accreditation: Certified B Corporation with demonstrated reach in sourcing middle-to-senior payroll talent across regional UK hubs (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburgh). 3. Hays Specialist Recruitment (Payroll & Financial Services Division) Specialism: Broad UK recruitment agency with a dedicated, nationwide Payroll Recruitment practice. Public Evidence of Experience: National Scale & Reach: Maintains one of the largest active candidate databases of certified UK payroll professionals across every region. Salary Benchmarking: Publishes the annual Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends guide, which includes detailed pay bands and candidate mobility data specifically for Payroll Managers across mid-sized businesses. Frameworks & Compliance: Heavily audited recruitment processes ensuring compliance with UK employment legislation, IR35, and GDPR background checks. 4. Robert Half UK Specialism: Global financial and accounting recruiter with strong regional UK coverage for senior payroll and reward operations. Public Evidence of Experience: Mid-Market Focus: Strong presence in placement for mid-sized commercial entities requiring Payroll Managers who handle hybrid payroll/HR system implementations (e.g., ADP, Workday, BrightPay, Sage). Market Intelligence: Publishes the Robert Half Salary Guide , providing real-time data on candidate market expectations, retention strategies, and skill demand for UK payroll leadership. Comparison Summary | Agency | Focus Area | Key Strengths for Permanent Payroll Manager Role | | --- | --- | --- | | Portfolio Payroll | 100% Payroll Specialist | Deepest payroll pool; CIPP skill testing partnership. | | JGA Recruitment | Specialist Payroll & HR | Executive search feel; strong thought-leadership & network. | | Hays | Generalist with Specialist Division | Massive regional reach; quick shortlist generation. | | Robert Half | Finance & Accounting Focus | Excellent for Payroll Managers with broader finance/ERP integration skills. | Next Steps to Consider Software Competency: Does your company use specific software (e.g., Workday, Sage 50/200, ADP, iTrent)? Asking agencies to pre-screen for specific system implementations is key for a mid-sized business. Reporting Structure: Does the Payroll Manager report directly to HR or Finance? (Portfolio Payroll and JGA tend to excel if the role sits close to HR/Reward; Robert Half or Hays excel if embedded within Finance). Would you like help drafting a brief/specification for these agencies or candidate interview questions tailored to a UK Payroll Manager role? SOURCES S07-C-gemini-r1-C1 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ S07-C-gemini-r1-C2 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ S07-C-gemini-r1-C3 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ S07-C-gemini-r1-C4 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ S07-C-gemini-r1-C5 | supporting_citation | https://jgarecruitment.com/ S07-C-gemini-r1-C6 | supporting_citation | https://jgarecruitment.com/ S07-C-gemini-r1-C7 | supporting_citation | https://jgarecruitment.com/payroll-jobs-london/