In our portrait series “People in Bulk Logistics,” we introduce colleagues who ensure smooth operations behind the scenes. They bring expertise, experience, and personality to the table—showcasing how modern work culture is lived at HES. Today’s spotlight: Tobias Bölk, Business Controller. He dives deep into complex data and processes, delivers ad-hoc analyses for the sales team, and skillfully balances his professional role with being a devoted father.
“Analysis is my tool, teamwork my passion”
Tobias has been part of the HES team as a Business Controller since November 1, 2015, and this week marks his ten-year anniversary. He joined bulk logistics through a job posting: “Nothing spectacular, but looking back, it was the perfect entry point.” What motivates him most is cross-functional collaboration on projects. “I also enjoy analyzing complex issues in detail, identifying connections, and deriving recommendations.” Three words that describe his work at HES: dynamic, inspiring, intense.
Business Controller with a holistic view
Tobias focuses primarily on sales and project controlling. As a business partner, he supports the sales team with pricing strategies and assists project managers in developing business cases. His responsibilities also include ad-hoc analyses, strategic recommendations, and contribution margin evaluations. Particularly challenging are tender submissions, which require a full 360° analysis. “You can really get lost in the work here,” Tobias admits. He combines deep expertise with humor and enthusiasm, which he brings to every project. Colleagues value his ability to make complex data and relationships easy to understand.
The future of bulk logistics—efficiency in focus
Tobias closely follows industry developments: “Bulk logistics is becoming increasingly digital. Real-time tracking, AI-driven planning, and optimized routing will be key. At the same time, customer demands for flexibility and short delivery windows are rising—services like next-day delivery are becoming more important even for large-format products. This sets new standards for planning and calls for greater efficiency and connectivity.”
Between data, analysis, and fatherhood
Efficiency and flexibility are central to Tobias’ workday, also for personal reasons: “The flexible working hours at HES are a huge support for me as a father. They allow me to attend doctor appointments or baby group sessions and ensure that things at home aren’t organized one-sidedly.”
Tobias didn’t opt for a traditional reduction in working hours. He took vacation for his son’s birth and two months of parental leave during the first year. “We used that time for our first big family trip to Italy,” he shares, “and afterward, I was able to spend more time with my son while my wife returned to work.” Tobias describes this phase as especially enriching: “It strengthened our father-son bond and deepened the mutual understanding between my wife and me. The feedback from my team and management about my time off was consistently positive—showing how much family is valued at HES.”
Flexible at work, present at home
Tobias appreciates the freedom to drive projects forward during the day while still being present for the small but meaningful everyday moments. For him, being present in the family means more than just caregiving: “It’s incredibly valuable to actively participate in my child’s life. These moments shape our relationship and give me strength and energy to fully commit to my work. Together with the HES team, I want to make a real impact.”
Want to learn more about the people behind our operations? Discover more portraits here:
Patrick Kubasik
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