I guess I have a different definition of what a Director of Operations is and what that person does.  In my opinion and some light research to back up my following statement....A Director of Operations ensures the company provides the maximum benefit for the customer and the company, organises the operation team and mobilises them to acheive the company strategy, adapts both themselves and influences the attitudes of the team, supports the funtions that can deliver products and services to the customer.  This person would also manage the admisitration of financial processes and reporting, direct and lead to ensure the facility is well run, ensure effective system and proceduresfor financial management, reporting and auditing are in place making certain that the financial and administrative policies are implemented and carried out as well as supervise the above mentioned.

Now, what part of that excludes paying the contractors that you contracted. 

I am not entirely sure what "VM" stands for and in my ingnorance of that will not assumen the meaning.  So, if someone would like to educate me on what VM stands for (i.e. VP = Vice President) that would be fine. 

Unless, this company throws around terms and gives out meaningless titles I believe Shaun should have done the responsible thing and done his job and insisted that these contractors, again the he hire, got paid.  I am sure unpaid contractors were contacting him regarding payment especially if he was the contact person at the company.

GL - your comments about holding an employee responsible or even the accounting department goes to show that you have no care in the world about your job or company.  I would fight tooth and nail to get these invoices paid, even if that meant taking on the owner of the company, which I have done in the past.  Doesn't anyone take pride in their work anymore or the company that they work for.  It sickens me that we live in a society that is so quick to point the finger, try to pass the buck  and say "its not my fault, I am just an employee", not to mention the fact that the these companies refuse to pay.  What part of the original negotiation did Shaun not understand when he ordered these searches.  Did he not know when he placed the order that he had to have "pre-approval" to get the invoice paid.  What a load of horse crap!!!!!  Even more reason he should be responsible. 

Yes, I do believe if I promise you a search in 24 hours then it should be delivered in 24 hours.  Now, i will say if I am driving to a county and get in a head on collision I might be a little late.  If I get to county expecting to preform a simple search and find out that it is a 60 year mess, I may be a little bit late but I would, as would many others, call and let you know of the problem I am having to let you know it might take a little longer.  If I do not deliver, then it is your decision to post that information here or where ever else you like to let people know I suck at my job and make promises I don't keep.  I never make a promise I can't keep!!! 

If one doesn't sign the check then one shouldn't promise to pay the invoice and contract the service!!!  Plain and simple - don't promise what you can't preform"  I don't believe the "middle man" as you call it is getting the short end of the stick.  Buck up and do your job!  If it is not your job then see to it to point out the person whose job it is that there is a serious non-payment problem with in your company, again even if that is the owner of the company.