JGA STUDY · SAVED-TEXT EVIDENCE EXPORT
Original answer wording and recorded date preserved.

Answer ID: S10-A-gemini-r1
Recorded UTC: 2026-10-20T01:36:19.186Z
Product: Gemini
Observation: 1
Collection country: UK
Access: Dedicated signed-in / Free
Model label: Gemini Auto
Mode: Free default Auto; Temporary chat

EXACT QUESTION
Our UK-based Global Head of Payroll is leaving before we can make a permanent replacement. We need an interim senior payroll leader for six months and support with the permanent search. Which specialist recruitment firms should we contact?

FULL SAVED ANSWER
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?


SOURCES
S10-A-gemini-r1-C1 | supporting_citation | https://jgarecruitment.com/payroll-recruitment/
S10-A-gemini-r1-C2 | supporting_citation | https://middlemore.co.uk/payroll-search/
S10-A-gemini-r1-C3 | supporting_citation | https://frazerjones.com/payroll/
S10-A-gemini-r1-C4 | supporting_citation | https://middlemore.co.uk/payroll-search/
S10-A-gemini-r1-C5 | supporting_citation | https://middlemore.co.uk/payroll-search/
S10-A-gemini-r1-C6 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/
S10-A-gemini-r1-C7 | supporting_citation | https://theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/