Tobias is senior site manager at ZÜBLIN Timber.

How was your start at ZÜBLIN Timber?

A compulsory internship at technical college led me to the company. After successfully graduating as a timber construction technician from the technical college in Augsburg and my unsolicited application, I started in the then agricultural construction sector in work preparation and construction management.

Following changes in the business areas, I worked as a construction manager on international projects. I was able to realize major projects such as the "Metropol Parasol" in Seville or the new construction of the "Charles de Gaulle" airport terminal in France on site. Later, back in the office, I supported the timber construction elements department and worked in work preparation. Since 2011, I have been drawn back to timber construction sites and have been responsible for various projects as senior site manager ever since.

What knowledge do you have?

As a trained carpenter, I was involved with wood as a building material from a young age. This was followed by a two-year apprenticeship as a timber construction technician. Early in my career, I was entrusted with increasing responsibilities. Working on complex timber construction sites helped me gain extensive practical experience. Theory never fell by the wayside, because lifelong learning is part of my job.

Is your job as senior site manager everything you imagined it would be?

Yes!
I am employed by ZÜBLIN Timber as a senior site manager for the Timber Construction & Façade division. I supervise a commissioned timber construction project from start to finish. The many and varied tasks involved make the job attractive for me. For new projects, I get involved as early as the planning phase and supervise the project beyond the acceptance of the work. This requires strong communication and coordination skills when working with different project stakeholders. The role involves a wide range of responsibilities, including supervising, coordinating, planning, problem-solving, quality control, scheduling and decision-making.

You're on the road a lot. Do you even have time for family and friends here?

There are jobs for all walks of life and personal career aspirations. This is also the case at ZÜBLIN Timber. On large construction sites, you usually have to reckon with greater local distances. Here, of course, you are on site more to manage the construction site. In my experience, working on different projects has given me the opportunity to visit various locations and work with people from different cultural backgrounds. As a senior site manager, I have the option of being in the office, working from home or on the construction site. For me personally, this role offers a level of flexibility that supports a good balance between work and private life.

What makes ZÜBLIN Timber special for you?

For me, a new project means a new challenge. Throughout my time at ZÜBLIN Timber, I have worked on a wide range of projects.
I find it fascinating to deal with new techniques, combinations and new types of construction. New teams are formed for new projects, everyone ticks differently, everyone acts differently.
Colleagues at the headquarters and throughout the Group are available to provide support and share their expertise when needed. I have experienced a collaborative working environment in which different perspectives and backgrounds are valued.

How did you get into the position of project manager?

My professional development within the company enabled me to take on the role of project manager. Over time, I gained a lot of experience on a wide variety of construction sites, which helped me develop both technical and practical expertise. I often had to use my own initiative and learn by doing. This helped me take on additional responsibilities over time. I am constantly learning through internal further training measures and am open to new things.

How are you working on progress?

The ongoing digitalization of our processes is of central importance to me. Cadwork in particular plays a key role in the technical handling of our timber construction projects. I see significant potential to use the software more extensively to support precise and efficient project planning and execution.

Another important aspect is digital surveying. The use of 3D models opens up new possibilities for us to extract exact measurements directly from the models. This can help improve accuracy and support efficient planning and implementation processes.

I am also keen to implement the digital construction site. The introduction of platforms such as Dalux supports improved coordination between the various teams, improved communication on the construction site and efficient documentation and tracking of all relevant construction site processes.
In the long term, these digital tools can contribute to more transparent and efficient construction processes and support project delivery in line with project requirements.

What is your mission for the future?

I built a quail house for my children and shared the construction management with them. Of course, it was built with wood. My personal values and the Group's mission statement "People Planet Progress" influenced the way I approached my daily work, encouraging me to take environmental, social and economic aspects into consideration.

For more insights into Tobias' job, watch the German video: