Spotlight On: Tobias Bierbaumer, Central Supply Chain Manager at MM Board & Paper (Vienna)

Su camino hacia la industria

¿Podría presentarse y hablarnos de su cargo actual?

My name is Tobias Bierbaumer, and I work as Manager Central Supply Chain. In this role, I am responsible for group-wide production planning and forecasting. My focus is on optimally balancing capacity across our mills, identifying bottlenecks early, and ensuring a stable and efficient supply chain.

¿Qué fue lo que despertó inicialmente su interés por la industria de los envases sostenibles y el cartón?

I come from a business administration background and started my career in Controlling. The packaging industry attracted me because it combines economic stability with a strong sustainability mission. Cartonboard is a material that actively contributes to the circular economy, which fascinated me from the beginning.

¿Cuál ha sido el hito o la experiencia más significativa que ha marcado su carrera hasta la fecha?

A key milestone was my transition from plant controlling into supply chain management. After four years as a plant controller and another four years as Supply Chain Manager at the mill, I was able to combine my knowledge of processes, data, and operations. Moving into the central supply chain team in Vienna broadened my perspective and allowed me to work more strategically and internationally.

¿Ha habido algún reto específico o punto de inflexión que considere fundamental en su trayectoria profesional?

A major turning point was taking responsibility for improving our On-Time In-Full (OTIF) performance and optimising service levels in the sheeting area. These projects were complex, but they showed me how data-driven planning and cross-functional collaboration can significantly influence the entire value chain.

¿Cómo ha cambiado el sector desde sus comienzos y qué es lo que más le entusiasma de su futuro?

The industry has evolved strongly toward sustainability and circularity. What excites me most is the level of innovation – both technologically and in terms of new, environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The demand for sustainable materials is rising, and we can actively contribute to reducing resource consumption and CO2 emissions.

Impacto diario

¿Cómo es un día normal en su puesto actual?

My day usually begins with analysing current forecasts, production capacities, and demand developments. I coordinate between mills, sales, and planning teams to avoid bottlenecks and keep everything aligned. A lot of the role comes down to working with data, supporting decisions and making sure the supply chain stays flexible.

¿Puede describirnos algún proyecto o iniciativa concretos en los que haya trabajado recientemente y que le hayan parecido especialmente interesantes o innovadores?

One of the recent most exciting initiatives was improving our OTIF performance and optimising service levels in the sheeting area. Through more accurate forecasting, better alignment processes, and data-driven decisions, we significantly improved delivery reliability while increasing efficiency.

¿Cómo contribuye directamente su trabajo a los beneficios sostenibles y medioambientales de los envases de cartón?

Good planning has a direct impact. The more precisely we can manage production and supply, the more we can reduce waste, avoid unnecessary transport and use resources efficiently. The better we plan, the smaller our environmental footprint – and the more we support the circular economy.

¿Qué consejo le daría a alguien que está empezando su carrera en este sector?

Stay curious, try to understand the bigger picture of how everything fits together, and don’t be afraid of numbers or complex processes. The industry offers many development opportunities – those who are open-minded, take responsibility, and enjoy teamwork can grow quickly.

¿Cuál es la razón por la que se siente orgulloso de trabajar en la industria del cartón y el envase de cartón?

We’re working with a material that’s both practical and sustainable. It plays a real role in reducing environmental impact, which gives the work a sense of purpose. Cartonboard is a material with a future.

Más allá de su papel

¿Qué habilidad o afición tiene fuera del trabajo que le haya ayudado sorprendentemente en su puesto?

I spend a lot of my free time running, cycling, skiing, and hiking. These all help me build endurance, focus, and patience – qualities that are just as important in supply chain management as they are in sports.

¿Cuál es el mejor consejo profesional que ha recibido?

“Change is an opportunity.” This simple mindset has helped me navigate career transitions and see new responsibilities as chances to grow.

Si pudiera tener cualquier otro trabajo de envasado por un día, ¿cuál sería y por qué?

I would love to spend a day in product development. It would be fascinating to see how new packaging solutions are created and how creative ideas are combined with technical requirements and sustainability goals.

¿Qué es lo que le gustaría que más gente supiera sobre la industria del cartón y el envase de cartón?

That there’s a lot more behind it than people might think. It is truly innovative and sustainable and that can sometimes be missed. Many people see packaging as something ordinary, but behind it stands a highly advanced, resource-efficient industry that actively contributes to the circular economy.