This case study highlights how Recann partnered with a major airline organisation to reduce system integrator dependency and embed critical SAP Payroll leadership at the heart of a multi-country transformation.
Client Profile
A large airline organisation delivering a complex SAP Payroll transformation across the Nordics, alongside parallel payroll and HR programmes across Europe.
The programme operated within a highly regulated, high-risk environment where payroll continuity and compliance were critical.
The Challenge
The organisation was partway through a multi-country SAP Payroll transformation when it became clear that delivery was overly dependent on system integrator (SI) consultants.
While the SI provided immediate capacity, the long-term model presented significant commercial, operational, and knowledge-retention risks.
Key challenges included:
- Heavy reliance on SI resources for core payroll leadership
- High operational and compliance risk across multiple countries
- A strategic objective to internalise payroll capability
- Severe scarcity of senior SAP Payroll specialists in the market
- Additional complexity driven by Nordic localisation and language requirements
Without securing a senior payroll leader capable of owning delivery, the organisation faced continued SI dependency, escalating premium costs, limited transformation agility, and the risk of losing critical payroll knowledge at programme end.
The Solution
Recann partnered closely with senior transformation and HR leadership to deliver a targeted search for a specialist SAP Payroll Lead with proven multi-country experience.
This engagement went beyond traditional job-led recruitment. It focused on building long-term internal capability to reduce dependency on external providers.
Key elements of the approach included:
- Targeted engagement within niche SAP Payroll consultant networks
- Rigorous qualification focused on transformation leadership and capability building
- Validation of hands-on ownership of multi-country Nordic payroll delivery
- Careful management of candidate engagement through a prolonged and complex internal process
- Protecting candidate commitment under commercial pressure and extended timelines
The objective was clear: secure a leader who could stabilise delivery, embed internal capability, and take ownership of payroll transformation outcomes.
The Outcome
The engagement resulted in the successful appointment of a Senior SAP HCM Payroll Lead on a long-term engagement.
The impact was immediate:
- Payroll transformation delivery was strengthened from day one
- Internal payroll capability was embedded within the programme
- Reliance on SI resources was significantly reduced
- Payroll continuity and compliance risks were actively controlled
- Estimated cost savings of €50–€110 per hour compared to SI resources
The organisation moved from a consultant-led delivery model to a more sustainable, internally owned payroll capability.
Why Recann
- Deep specialism in scarce enterprise systems talent
- Proven experience reducing system integrator dependency
- Access to disappearing SAP Payroll skill markets
- Strong international sourcing capability
- Trusted partner to senior transformation leaders
- Track record delivering in high-risk, high-complexity environments
If you’re delivering a complex SAP Payroll or HR transformation and need to reduce dependency on system integrators while securing critical capability, we’d be happy to talk.
Contact Recann to discuss how we can support your transformation.
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