The Clockwork Network

Independent firms

Shared infrastructure

Compounding opportunity

The Clockwork Network is a new model for executive search. It helps independent firms grow by doing more of the work they are best at, while earning from the work they choose not to take.

Firms in the Network refer projects that are not a fit, receive work that matches their strengths, and get paid without risk or administrative burden. Clockwork handles the diligence, logistics, and payments so each firm can stay focused on delivering great results.

It is a collaborative system that rewards focus and performance. Every participating firm operates independently but benefits from shared infrastructure and trusted referrals.

Executive search should reward focus and excellence. But too often, firms either turn away work that falls outside their specialization, leaving clients to fend for themselves and potentially damaging relationships, or they stretch into unfamiliar territory, compromising their focus and performance.

The Clockwork Network was built to fix that.

Stay in your lane without leaving money on the table
Refer work you do not want and get paid when the client signs
Receive referrals that align with your true strengths
Deliver better results by staying focused on what you do best
Build long-term client trust by always making the right recommendation

Most firms lose more projects than they win, not because they are not good, but because they are not always the right fit. The Network turns those "no" opportunities into revenue, and the "yes" projects into higher-performing outcomes.

And the more focused you become, the more likely you are to receive work from others. Firms that specialize, perform. Firms that perform, get referred. It is a virtuous cycle of focus, delivery, and inbound opportunity.

How It Works Refer A Search

Send opportunities that are not a fit to Clockwork

Clockwork runs the same proven process we use in the Executive Search Exchange

We analyze the project and identify relevant past searches

We surface outperforming firms with demonstrated success in similar roles

We introduce the client to firms best suited for the work

The client chooses who they want to move forward with

Once your client signs, you get paid upfront

You help your client, protect the relationship, and earn revenue without taking on the search

How It Works Get A Referral

Receive referrals:

Get matched to projects that fit your niche
Win work based on your performance, not politics
Stay focused and grow your reputation

Operate independently, not alone:

You keep full control of your clients, brand, and data
No obligations or commitments beyond the projects you accept
Clockwork manages logistics, compliance, and payment

You remain fully independent:

Your firm. Your brand. Your clients
Participation is opt-in, project by project
No shared economics. No shared overhead. No risk
Clockwork is not a firm or franchise. It is a network designed to support how you already work

The Clockwork Network & Executive Search Exchange

Clockwork also operates the Executive Search Exchange, a marketplace where investors, companies, and hiring leaders come to find the best firm for their search.

The Exchange drives demand. The Network delivers supply. Clockwork connects the two.

When you are in the Network, you are eligible to receive leads from the Exchange. Every match is based on actual performance, specialization, and project fit.

A Note from Christian

I started Clockwork in 2010 because I believed executive search could be better, for firms, for clients, and for candidates.

The Clockwork Network is the model I wish had existed back then. It lets great recruiters stay independent, get rewarded for their focus, and collaborate without compromise.

This is just the beginning.

Christian Spletzer
Founder & CEO, Clockwork Recruiting