Warncke is a trained psychologist with extensive leadership and board experience. She served as the CEO of the Bergen Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2007 to 2022 and was the first female Chair of the Board at the same institution. Previously, she was the CEO of Nutec, where she began her career as a researcher in the diving department. She has held several board positions, including at the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), the University of Bergen, the Fargespill Foundation, Robin Hood House, and the Port of Bergen.