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

Your path into the industry

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your current role?

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.

What initially sparked your interest in the sustainable packaging and cartonboard industry?

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.

What has been the most significant milestone or experience that has shaped your career to date?

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.

Were there any specific challenges or turning points that you feel were pivotal in your professional journey?

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.

How has the industry changed since you first started, and what excites you most about its future?

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.

Daily impact

What does a typical day in your current role look like?

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.

Can you describe a specific project or initiative you’ve worked on recently that you found particularly exciting or innovative?

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.

How does your work directly contribute to the sustainable and environmental benefits of cartonboard packaging?

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.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in this industry?

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.

What is the one reason why you are proud to work in the carton and cartonboard industry?

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.

Beyond your role

What’s a skill or hobby you have outside of work that has surprisingly helped you in your role?

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.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

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

If you could have any other job in packaging for a day, what would it be and why?

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.

What is the one thing you wish more people knew about the carton and cartonboard industry?

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.