JGA STUDY · SAVED-TEXT EVIDENCE EXPORT Original answer wording and recorded date preserved. Answer ID: S09-B-gemini-r1 Recorded UTC: 2026-10-19T22:11:11.022Z Product: Gemini Observation: 1 Collection country: UK Access: Dedicated signed-in / Free Model label: Gemini Auto Mode: Free default Auto; Temporary chat EXACT QUESTION Which recruiters can find a Head of Payroll for a hybrid role in Manchester overseeing UK and European payroll suppliers? We are changing providers and need an experienced permanent leader. FULL SAVED ANSWER To recruit a senior permanent leader—such as a Head of Payroll —for a hybrid position in Manchester that involves managing external vendors and cross-border European operations, you will want to engage specialist recruiters with dual capability: dedicated payroll niche expertise and cross-border / executive search scale . The most suitable recruitment consultancies and executive search firms in the UK for this exact profile are outlined below: 1. Niche & Specialist Payroll Agencies The Portfolio Group (Portfolio Payroll) Best for: Pure-play, dedicated payroll recruitment. Why them: Portfolio Payroll is widely considered the UK’s premier specialist agency dedicated exclusively to payroll, reward, and HR positions. Key Strengths: Dedicated Manchester regional office with deep local candidate networks. High-volume database of senior leaders who specialize in managed service provider (MSP) and third-party vendor oversight. Excellent capability in sourcing candidates accustomed to hybrid working patterns in the North West. 2. Global HR & Reward Search Consultancies Frazer Jones (part of The SR Group) Best for: Cross-border European experience and executive-level HR/Payroll leadership. Why them: Frazer Jones is a premier global recruitment firm focused purely on HR, Reward, and Payroll functions. Key Strengths: Strong European network with offices across the UK, Europe, and globally. Proven track record in placing global Payroll Directors and Heads of Payroll who manage complex EMEA/European third-party vendor relationships (e.g., ADP, SD Worx, Personio). Dedicated executive search capability for senior strategic hires. 3. Top Regional Executive Search & Finance Specialists Nigel Wright Group Best for: Senior North West regional leadership search with local market intelligence. Why them: Based directly in central Manchester ( The Lincoln, M2 ), they are one of the dominant executive search firms in the North West. Key Strengths: Local executive search consultants with strong relationships across Manchester’s business community. High touch/headhunting methodology suited for senior permanent roles where top candidates may be passive. Robert Walters (Manchester) Best for: Finance & HR leadership with international reach. Why them: Operating out of Spinningfields, Manchester, Robert Walters has a strong senior finance and HR transformation desk. Key Strengths: Excellent reach across North West candidates with broad European payroll software/supplier knowledge. Strong expertise handling roles undergoing organizational change (such as provider migrations or system implementations). Recommended Recruitment Strategy Given that you are changing providers and need a leader to oversee UK & European suppliers : Vendor Knowledge: Ensure the recruiter tests for candidates who have managed multi-country payroll transformations or provider migrations (e.g., transitioning from in-house to managed bureau, or changing major EMEA software partners). Dual-Pitch Method: Consider briefing both Portfolio Payroll (for targeted payroll functional depth) and Frazer Jones or Nigel Wright (for executive search discipline and international oversight capability). Hybrid Offer: Senior candidates in the North West market expect hybrid arrangements (typically 2–3 days in office/home); highlighting this upfront will expand your pool of qualified candidates. Would you like a template for a Head of Payroll job specification or benchmark salary data for senior payroll leaders in the Manchester area? SOURCES S09-B-gemini-r1-C1 | supporting_citation | https://nigelwright.com/uk/executive-recruitment-agency-manchester S09-B-gemini-r1-C2 | supporting_citation | https://frazerjones.com/uk/ S09-B-gemini-r1-C3 | supporting_citation | https://frazerjones.com/uk/ S09-B-gemini-r1-C4 | supporting_citation | https://nigelwright.com/uk/executive-recruitment-agency-manchester S09-B-gemini-r1-C5 | supporting_citation | https://nigelwright.com/uk/executive-recruitment-agency-manchester S09-B-gemini-r1-C6 | supporting_citation | https://nigelwright.com/uk/executive-recruitment-agency-manchester S09-B-gemini-r1-C7 | supporting_citation | https://nigelwright.com/uk/executive-recruitment-agency-manchester S09-B-gemini-r1-C8 | supporting_citation | https://nigelwright.com/uk/executive-recruitment-agency-manchester