The Women in Fleet profile series introduces fleet managers to some of the most influential women in fleet. Every month, we get to know another positive force in the fleet industry. 

This month, we meet Julie Bergs, global fleet manager, commodity manager and global sourcing for NCR Corp.  

Getting into Fleet

Involved in fleet for the past 20 years, Bergs started her career working with Solvay Pharmaceuticals (later sold to Abbott), then Georgia-Pacific, before she landed at NCR Corp. around five years ago. 

Before starting her career at Solvay, Bergs moved to Atlanta from Minnesota and began working with a placement firm. 

“I wanted to get to know a company and its culture and thought working temporarily would be a good way to do that. I was sent to Solvay Pharmaceuticals as an admin to the fleet department,” Bergs said.

The person who was working that position before had gone out on long-term leave. 

“I found I enjoyed it, and when it was clear that the employee was not going to be able to return to work, the manager of the group offered me the fleet administrator position. The rest is history,” she said. 

Bergs worked with Solvay until it was purchased by Abbott Labs. She was then hired by Georgia-Pacific to run their fleet in the U.S. and Canada.  

“Eventually, I was asked to set up and manage a fleet program for Mexico. I then went to NCR from Georgia-Pacific,” she explained.

Bergs loves fleet. “Fleet is never dull. It is always evolving, and just when you think you have seen everything, something new comes up. Technology has greatly improved, and I think it is one of the few industries that affords women a lot of opportunities to grow. Over the years I have met and learned from some great women in this industry,” she said. 

Today, Bergs is responsible for the relationship of the fleet providers with NCR’s operations team.

“I am responsible for conducting the RFPs both with the fleet companies as well as the OEMs on vehicle selection. I serve as an SME for Europe and Latin America. I also negotiate procurement-related costs/opportunities for the global fleet. I execute contracts and hold suppliers accountable to SLAs,” Bergs said.

Learning & Sharing

Bergs noted that her biggest obstacle is teaching senior management in any organization fleet best practices. 

“My experience with my FMCs has been invaluable. I used the technology reports from the FMCs to highlight achievements, always making sure to let them know that this was a coordinated effort with the FMC and myself,” she shared.

Bergs recommends those involved in fleet be open to change. 

“This year especially has posed challenges never experienced by other fleet managers. Some industries have been affected more than others. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others and ask questions. Most of us have experienced the same obstacles and challenges at one time or another. Unlike any other industry I have been in, most fleet managers are more than happy to help,” she said. 

And Bergs recommends other women in fleet take advantage of every learning opportunity offered.  

“Find women in the industry with a long fleet history and ask if one of them can mentor you. Attend industry conferences. Be open to change. Be confident. Be resilient,” she said.

Looking Forward: In the future, Bergs hopes to be “doing what I am doing now. Things are always changing, which could open up new opportunities. Pay a little back by mentoring new fleet professionals as I was mentored. And, of course, occasionally take that trip to the beach with a margarita,” she said.

You May Not Know: “I love paper crafting, including scrapbooking and making cards and traveling. I love getting out and seeing the sights in the U.S.,” Bergs shared.