From Operations to Insurance Solutions: A Journey of Growth at SCOR

At SCOR, careers are not confined to a single path; they evolve. James Woods’s journey is a powerful example of how internal mobility and a culture of trust can enable employees to grow, explore new directions, and unlock their full potential.

Currently an Insurance Solutions Lead in SCOR Business Solutions (SBS), James made a successful cross-functional move from operations into the commercial side of the business, demonstrating how flexibility and opportunity come together at SCOR.

Building the Foundations

James joined SCOR in 2022 as Global Head of Claims Transformation, stepping into a newly created role during a pivotal moment for the Group. He led a wide range of transformation initiatives across claims: spanning technology, processes, people, and data.

Over time, his scope expanded beyond claims. He took on broader strategic projects across P&C, including work on data innovation and large-scale technology initiatives. This gradual broadening of responsibilities laid the groundwork for his next move.

“Although my title was Head of Claims Transformation, by year three I was leading P&C-wide strategic initiatives,” he said.

A Turning Point: Exploring New Opportunities

After several years in operations, a new internal opportunity sparked change. Through SCOR’s opportunity marketplace and internal programs, James began reflecting on his next career step. When he came across the Insurance Solutions Lead role in SBS, it immediately resonated.

“I knew SBS had ambitious growth plans, and I wanted to be at the front end of the business, playing a more active role in that journey. When I read the job description, I thought: that’s me - it felt exciting, different, and closely aligned with where I wanted to take my career.”

Encouraged by leadership and supported throughout the process, he applied, and successfully transitioned into the role.

Making the Move: A Cross-Functional Transition

James officially stepped into his new role in September 2025, with a short transition period where he balanced responsibilities across both teams. Today, as Insurance Solutions Lead, he operates at the heart of the business, partnering closely with C‑suite executives, senior leadership, underwriters, and operational teams to shape and deliver strategy, governance, and execution.

The move marked a real shift in how he approached his work. While his background in operations focused on strengthening systems and processes that underpin the business, he now plays a more direct role in shaping outcomes. His responsibilities have expanded beyond operational excellence into commercially driven decision-making, and rather than enabling the business from a supporting function, he is now fully embedded at its core.

“In operations, you strengthen the foundations that keep the business running effectively. In this role, you’re on the pulse of the business, making decisions that directly impact performance.”

Overcoming Challenges and Learning Fast

Like any cross-functional move, the transition came with challenges, particularly in adapting to new technical knowledge and a more commercial mindset.

“There’s an obvious gap in knowledge at the beginning,” he said, “but that’s part of learning and why we make these moves.”

With strong support from leadership and a culture that encourages curiosity, James was able to quickly ramp up, ask questions, and grow into the role, supported by exposure to a broad range of activities and a CUO line manager who actively shared expertise and tailored opportunities to help him learn at pace.

One of the key enablers of James’s transition was his transferable skillset.

He points out that while technical skills can always be picked up along the way, it’s the softer skills that really make the difference, things like how you work with others, build relationships, stay curious and adaptable, and ultimately show up with authenticity and earn people’s trust.

“Soft skills are always number one. They transcend roles,” he said. “You can learn the technical side.”

Feedback and self-awareness also played a critical role in helping him identify strengths and position himself for the move.

A Culture That Enables Mobility

James’s experience also shows how SCOR makes internal mobility truly possible. He highlights the ease of connecting with senior leaders across the organization, the visibility of opportunities through the internal job marketplace, and the strong support from HR throughout the process. The transition itself was handled smoothly, giving him time to step away from his previous role while gradually settling into the new one.

“I felt genuinely invested in by the company and encouraged to pursue this opportunity, which was not only a lateral move but also a step upwards. I was supported throughout the process and set up for success,” he said.

Beyond individual success, internal mobility benefits the organization as a whole, building a pipeline of talent with diverse experiences and a deep understanding of the business.

Why Internal Mobility Matters

For James, internal mobility is really a win-win situation. It gives employees the chance to grow, pick up new skills, and see the business from different angles, while the company benefits from more engaged and well-rounded talent. It also brings fresh perspectives into teams, especially when people move across functions and apply their experience in new ways.

“It’s a win-win. I’m growing and broadening my perspective, building on my transformation and operations experience while developing a stronger commercial and strategic lens. That move is reshaping my career - expanding my knowledge and, over time, increasing my ability to add value and make an even bigger impact at SCOR.”

A Flexible Career Path at SCOR

For colleagues thinking about making a similar move, James suggests taking the time to really understand why you want the change in the first place. Being able to explain your motivation matters just as much as your experience. He also encourages people to focus on the skills they already bring to the table, rather than getting stuck on what they might be missing. Showing curiosity, a genuine willingness to learn, and the drive to step outside your comfort zone can go a long way.

“You’ll never be the obvious candidate in a cross-functional move,” James said, “but if you’re clear on your motivation and why you want the change, you can show that you have the drive to learn, adapt, and make it work.”

James’ journey reflects a broader reality at SCOR: careers here are not linear. Whether employees want to deepen their expertise or explore entirely new areas, flexibility exists to shape individual paths.

“At SCOR, you can go anywhere - that’s quite unique. From my experience at previous companies and what I hear from friends across the market, that kind of mobility and openness really stands out.”

James Woods’ story is more than a career move, it’s a testament to what’s possible when talent, opportunity, and trust come together.

At SCOR, internal mobility is not just encouraged, it’s embedded in the culture, empowering employees to grow, evolve, and build careers that are as dynamic as the business itself.