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

Votre parcours dans l'industrie

Pouvez-vous vous présenter et nous parler de votre fonction actuelle ?

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.

Qu'est-ce qui a suscité votre intérêt pour l'industrie de l'emballage durable et du carton ?

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.

Quelle a été l'étape ou l'expérience la plus marquante qui a façonné votre carrière à ce jour ?

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.

Y a-t-il eu des défis ou des tournants particuliers qui, selon vous, ont été déterminants dans votre parcours professionnel ?

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.

Comment le secteur a-t-il évolué depuis vos débuts et qu'est-ce qui vous enthousiasme le plus quant à son avenir ?

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.

Impact quotidien

À quoi ressemble une journée typique dans votre fonction actuelle ?

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.

Pouvez-vous décrire un projet ou une initiative spécifique sur lequel vous avez travaillé récemment et que vous avez trouvé particulièrement passionnant ou innovant ?

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.

Comment votre travail contribue-t-il directement aux avantages durables et environnementaux de l'emballage en carton ?

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.

Quels conseils donneriez-vous à quelqu'un qui commence sa carrière dans ce secteur ?

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.

Quelle est la raison pour laquelle vous êtes fier de travailler dans l'industrie du carton ?

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.

Au-delà de votre rôle

Quelle est la compétence ou le hobby que vous avez en dehors de votre travail et qui vous a étonnamment aidé dans votre rôle ?

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.

Quel est le meilleur conseil que vous ayez reçu en matière de carrière ?

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

Si vous pouviez exercer une autre fonction dans le domaine de l'emballage pendant une journée, quelle serait-elle et pourquoi ?

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.

Quelle est la chose que vous souhaiteriez que plus de gens sachent sur l'industrie du carton et de la brique ?

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.