What is a Work Planner?

In brief

As a Work Planner, you are like a strategist on the shop floor. You ensure that everything is planned, coordinated and executed down to the last detail. Whether it concerns technical drawings, quotations or monitoring timelines: without good preparation, the project will fail.

On this page you will discover what you do as a Work Planner, what skills you need, what training opens doors, what you can earn and how you can advance.

Work of a Work Planner

Exactly what you do depends greatly on the company and industry. Usually you combine several roles, such as:

  • Calculator
    You will evaluate bids, make cost estimates, look for savings and perform risk analysis.
  • Planner
    You determine the project schedule: what resources, materials and permits are needed, who does what when, and you keep the timelines sharp.
  • Technical Draftsman
    You create technical drawings via CAD systems, work with specifications and make sure everything is correct on paper and technically.

Other common tasks:

  • Contact and coordination with project managers, suppliers and implementation teams
  • Arranging material and inventory management
  • Monitor progress & identify bottlenecks
  • Preparation of work instructions & drawing/specification documents
  • Checking for quality and safety/environmental standards

What skills does a Work Planner have?

The role requires both technical understanding and strong soft skills. Key attributes:

Accuracy and attention to detail
Strong planning & organizational skills
Good communication & social skills
Negotiation skills (e.g., bids, suppliers)
Initiative & problem-solving thinking
Perseverance
Team-oriented, but also able to operate independently

What does a workday look like?

A workday as a Work Planner often starts with checking the planning and coordinating with project leaders or supervisors. Then you update drawings or calculations, keep in touch with suppliers and check whether materials and permits have been arranged.

In between, you jump into consultations with colleagues, update progress in reports and solve ad hoc bottlenecks. Every day is different: sometimes you focus on figures and calculations, other times you are in the middle of engineering or planning. It is precisely this variety that makes the work dynamic.

How do you become a Work Planner?

Most Work Planners have a mbo or college background in engineering, construction or mechanical engineering. You often combine that with practical experience in production, construction or engineering. Internal training and courses are also common. Examples of training courses:

  • MBO Work Planner Installation or Manufacturing
  • Mbo/Hbo Mechanical Engineering
  • Mbo/Hbo Mechatronics or Electrical Engineering
  • CAD drawing and calculation courses
  • Training in work preparation or project planning

Salary

A Work Planner's salary averages between €3,000 and €4,500 gross per month, depending on your experience, sector and responsibilities.

Diploma

A diploma is often required. Usually it is an MBO or HBO diploma in engineering or construction. Experience counts. Without a diploma, but with demonstrable knowledge and practical experience, you often still have a chance.

Number of hours

Most Work Planner positions are full-time (36-40 hours per week). Depending on the company, part-time opportunities are sometimes available.

Working Hours

Usually you work as a Work Planner during office hours (day shifts). In companies with production in shifts, you may need to be available outside standard hours, but this varies by employer.

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Your next step?

Work Planner

Are you ready to create overview, plan and make projects succeed? Then Work Planner is the job for you.

Frequently asked questions about Work Planner

Is a degree required to become a Work Planner?

Not always, but it is usually desired. A mbo or college degree in engineering, construction or mechanical engineering gives you the best chance.

A Work Planner focuses on preparation and planning, a Project Manager monitors the entire project including budget, personnel and end result.

You work mostly in the office or in the work preparation department, but you are regularly on the construction site or in the production hall to coordinate and check.

Yes, in construction, engineering and industry, demand is high. Companies are struggling to find enough professionals who combine overview and planning with technical knowledge.

The variety. You combine technology, numbers and communication, and you see immediate results from your work when a project goes smoothly.