Legal // Terms

Terms of Engagement

Last updated: February 2026

Scope of Services

Smooth Operators Search LLC ("Smooth Operators," "we," or "us") provides executive recruiting and placement services for operational leadership roles. Our services include candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, and placement support for positions including but not limited to: General Managers, COOs, VPs of Operations, VPs of Sales, and other P&L leadership roles.

Fee Structure

Our placement fees are based on a percentage of the placed candidate's first-year base salary:

  • Standard placement: 25% of first-year base salary
  • Veteran-owned businesses: 20% of first-year base salary

Fees are invoiced upon the candidate's start date and are due net 30 days. Specific terms are outlined in each client's individual service agreement.

180-Day Replacement Guarantee

If a placed candidate leaves or is terminated for cause within 180 days of their start date, we will conduct a replacement search at no additional fee. This guarantee applies once per placement and is subject to the terms outlined in your service agreement. The guarantee does not apply in cases of layoffs, restructuring, or changes in business conditions unrelated to candidate performance.

Client Responsibilities

  • Provide accurate and complete information about the role, compensation, and company
  • Respond to candidate presentations within a reasonable timeframe
  • Not directly solicit or hire candidates presented by Smooth Operators without going through the placement process
  • Honor agreed-upon fee structures and payment terms

Candidate Ownership

Candidates presented by Smooth Operators are considered our referrals for a period of 12 months from the date of introduction. If a client hires a presented candidate within this period, standard placement fees apply regardless of whether the candidate was hired for the originally discussed role.

Limitation of Liability

Smooth Operators Search provides recruiting services on a best-effort basis. While we rigorously vet all candidates, we do not guarantee specific outcomes from any placement. Our total liability shall not exceed the fees paid for the specific placement in question.

Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of proprietary information shared during the engagement. This includes candidate details, compensation structures, business strategies, and any other sensitive information exchanged during the recruiting process.

Governing Law

These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be resolved in the courts of Texas.

Contact

For questions about these terms, contact us at intake@smoothoperators.co.