We see the rain-maker and the home maker
DRIVING PROCUREMENT INNOVATION
A Conversation with Tamara Soondarjee, Head of Procurement Projects at Discovery Insure
Procurement plays a critical role in shaping the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of any organisation, and in the fast-paced world of insurance, strategic procurement is more important than ever. At Discovery Insure, Tamara Soondarjee, Head of Procurement Projects, has built a career defined by innovation, cost-saving initiatives, and driving efficiency. With a journey that started in parts sourcing and cost reduction in motor claims, Tamara has expanded her expertise to lead procurement projects that directly impact Discovery’s bottom line. In this exclusive interview, she shares her insights into strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, technology-driven procurement, and navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. She also reflects on her passion for mentorship and fostering a culture of continuous learning in the procurement profession.
Join us as we delve into the challenges, successes, and future vision of procurement projects at Discovery Insure.
Career Journey in Procurement
Can you share your professional background and the path that led you to your current role as Head of Procurement Projects at Discovery Insure?
My journey into procurement was somewhat accidental. My career in the insurance industry began in 2006 at Telesure Group Services, where I started as a secretary and progressed through various positions. In 2009, I applied for a role in the Parts Sourcing Team. At the time, I knew nothing about cars or vehicle parts, but I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity. This role primarily involved confirming part pricing on original vehicle parts to ensure we were paying the correct prices.
My manager at the time entrusted me with many of his tasks, which I gladly took on. This handson experience allowed me to learn along the way, so when he resigned the following year, the skills he had shared with me made me a strong contender for his position. I was promoted to Parts Sourcing Manager and led the team at Telesure for three years. Our main goal was cost saving—specifically, procuring motor parts for vehicles involved in accidents to reduce overall claims costs. Since motor parts make up a significant portion of motor claims costs, any reduction had a direct impact on savings.
In 2013, I was headhunted by the Head of Operations at Santam to create and execute a similar strategy. I successfully implemented it, saving the business a billion rand through various initiatives. At that point, I felt I had reached the peak of my career. Achieving such remarkable results at South Africa’s largest insurer made me realise that the growth potential in the business at that time was limited. The question then became: what next?
After nearly a decade at an industry-leading company like Santam, the only other option in my mind was Discovery. I craved a new challenge at an organisation as revolutionary and dynamic as Discovery is. My role has since focused on areas of the business where I can implement costsaving measures to contribute to the bottom line. It’s been exciting to identify areas where I can make a positive impact and implement solutions. I’m looking forward to seeing what new challenges lie ahead.
Procurement Project’s Role in Discovery’s Operations
How does the procurement projects function align with and support Discovery’s overall business strategy, particularly in the healthcare and financial services sectors?
The projects we work on directly support the overall business strategy by identifying opportunities to save money or reduce costs. This is achieved by directing spend more efficiently, adding additional suppliers, enhancing existing processes, or even something as simple as obtaining a comparative quote for a claimed item. Each of these initiatives plays a role in ensuring that we continue to deliver excellent service to our clients while keeping insurance premiums affordable and sustainable.
Managing Supplier Relationships and Compliance
What strategies does Discovery employ to maintain strong, ethical relationships with suppliers and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations?
Procurement is all about relationships. While there is a lot of paperwork and contracting involved in supplier management, at the end of the day, we are dealing with people, and those relationships are crucial to the successful execution of strategies. What is particularly important is good governance, fair and ethical supplier selection, unambiguous contracts, and service level agreements. Setting specific and achievable goals that all parties agree to is also vital. These pillars are key to achieving results and maintaining strong, ethical relationships.
Adapting to Market Volatility and Supply Chain Disruptions
The global market is subject to volatility. How does Discovery’s procurement projects function adapt to changes in market conditions, such as fluctuations in commodity prices or supply chain disruptions?
The past five years have taught us all to expect the unexpected. While we may think we are prepared for everything, there are still challenges that we could never have anticipated. Having an agile business enables us to act quickly, even in the rarest situations. Quick decision-making, effective communication, and change management are key in managing market volatility and supply chain disruptions
Developing Talent in Procurement
What initiatives does Discovery have in place to attract, develop, and retain top talent within the procurement function, and how do you foster a culture of continuous improvement?
Discovery has a very strong learning culture and encourages all employees to further their knowledge, even in the smallest ways. Having just completed my advanced diploma in Procurement with CIPS and currently working on my professional diploma, I, as a woman in procurement, try to encourage others interested in the field by sharing my personal story and experiences. Procurement has become an essential part of organisations, and the growth in the industry means there are far more opportunities available now than ever before.
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Supporting Innovation through Procurement
How does the procurement team collaborate with other departments, such as R&D and product development, to foster innovation and bring new solutions to market?
Our actuarial teams work closely with Procurement Projects, identifying areas for improvement, assisting in formulating solutions, and developing reports to measure progress and success after implementation. We also have various forums that evaluate the business overall to identify new projects and areas for improvement.
Future Vision for Procurement Projects at Discovery
Looking ahead, what are your primary objectives for the growth and development of Discovery’s procurement projects function in the next five years?
My goal for the next few years is focused on continuous improvement. My primary objectives are to identify new opportunities more quickly and develop project plans that are interchangeable and easy to integrate into various solutions, enabling the most efficient implementations possible. On a personal note, after completing my professional diploma in procurement, I would like to dedicate more time to mentoring young procurement professionals and those interested in entering the procurement industry.
Discovery, founded in 1992, is a South African-based financial services group offering health insurance, life insurance, investments, and banking services. With a core purpose of making people healthier and enhancing and protecting their lives, Discovery operates in over 30 markets globally, impacting more than 20 million members through its innovative shared-value insurance model and Vitality wellness program.
Tamara Soondarjee Head of Procurement Projects