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

Il vostro percorso nel settore

Può presentarsi e parlarci del suo ruolo attuale?

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.

Che cosa ha suscitato il suo interesse per il settore degli imballaggi sostenibili e del cartone?

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.

Qual è stata la pietra miliare o l'esperienza più significativa che ha plasmato la sua carriera fino ad oggi?

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.

Ci sono state sfide specifiche o punti di svolta che ritiene siano stati cruciali nel suo percorso professionale?

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.

Come è cambiato il settore da quando ha iniziato e cosa la entusiasma di più del suo 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.

Impatto quotidiano

Come si svolge una giornata tipo nel suo ruolo attuale?

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.

Può descrivere un progetto o un'iniziativa specifica a cui ha lavorato di recente e che ha trovato particolarmente entusiasmante o innovativa?

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.

In che modo il vostro lavoro contribuisce direttamente ai vantaggi sostenibili e ambientali degli imballaggi in cartoncino?

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.

Quale consiglio darebbe a chi sta iniziando la sua carriera in questo settore?

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.

Qual è il motivo per cui è orgoglioso di lavorare nell'industria del cartone e del cartoncino?

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.

Al di là del proprio ruolo

Qual è un'abilità o un hobby che avete al di fuori del lavoro e che vi ha sorprendentemente aiutato nel vostro ruolo?

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.

Qual è il miglior consiglio di carriera che ha ricevuto?

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

Se potesse avere un altro lavoro nel settore del packaging per un giorno, quale sarebbe e perché?

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.

Qual è la cosa che vorrebbe che più persone sapessero sull'industria del cartone e del cartoncino?

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.