Laura Ndubai

Results driven Centre Manager and business development leader with 7+ years of progressive experience spanning international education, hospitality, real estate, and media. Currently hold full strategic, financial, and operational accountability for a Berlitz language Centre; leading a team of 10+, jointly owning an annual revenue target of over KES 24 million, and personally originating and closing high-value corporate, institutional, and government deals. Proven ability to translate partnership opportunities into measurable business growth while safeguarding brand integrity, academic quality, and compliance with global standards.

A hands-on, sales-driven executive who thrives on building relationships across cultures and turning strategy into revenue.

Centre Manager & Head of Business Development at Berlitz East Africa (Horrizon Global Solutions Ltd.) (2024-01 – Present)

Hold overall accountability for the strategic leadership, financial performance, sales growth, brand integrity, and compliance of the Centre, ensuring operational execution aligns with Berlitz global standards.

• Develop and execute the annual business plan, growth strategy, and revenue targets for the Centre
• Identify and pursue corporate, institutional, government, and donor-funded opportunities
• Lead strategic partnership development, driving innovation in product offering, pricing, and market positioning
• Own Centre-wide revenue performance, setting monthly and annual sales targets.
• Lead and close high value corporate and institutional deals; manage walk-ins, online leads, follow ups, referrals, and assigned accounts end-to-end
• Prepare quotations, proposals, and contracts through to close; approve pricing exceptions and discounts
• Hold full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for the Centre
• Approve budgets, expenditures, supplier contracts, and payroll inputs
• Monitor cash flow, receivables, and cost efficiency to protect margins
• Ensure all programs comply with Berlitz global academic standards
• Oversee quality of instruction, assessments, and client satisfaction, resolving escalated academic and client issues
• Lead, mentor, and appraise senior staff, including the Deputy Centre Manager, across academic, administrative, and client-facing functions
• Approve staffing plans, promotions, and disciplinary actions, building a high-performance, accountable, client-focused culture
• Ensure compliance with Berlitz policies, contracts, and local regulations
• Submit monthly and quarterly management reports; lead audits and compliance reviews
• Manage LCMS data entry and reporting, and oversee offsite training tracking and quality control across all partner locations

Brand Manager / Operations Manager at Fanaka Real Estate Ltd (2020-02 – 2021-06)

Held a multi-disciplinary role spanning Assistant Operations Manager, Brand Manager, and Head of Media & Content Creation, reporting to the General Manager and leading a team of 8.

• Grew the department from 1 to 5 staff, creating 4 new roles and expanding departmental capacity
• Developed brand strategy, repositioning, and marketing campaigns across multiple platforms to strengthen visibility and consistency
• Designed merchandise and promotional packages, and organized brand events including product launches and photo shoots
• Managed departmental budgets, supervised advertising and product design, and tracked content performance to inform strategy
• Supported client account management, including instalment follow-ups, reconciliations, and requisition approvals

Office & Operations Manager at Regional Hotels & Real Estate Ltd (2017-08 – 2020-02)

Managed a broad operational portfolio spanning HR services, hotel operations, and apartment/estate management, reporting to the Managing Director and overseeing a team of 14.

• Built and maintained client relationships, identifying current and future customer needs to strengthen retention and satisfaction
• Ensured lease compliance, rent collection, accurate stock control, and timely renewal of hotel licenses
• Coordinated monthly catering, levy, and VAT reporting in line with regulatory requirements

Reporter (Intern) at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) (2017-05 – 2017-07)

• Gathered, scripted, and reported daily news stories independently, developing strong storytelling and on-air communication skills
• Produced and edited a primetime feature on poster menace in Nairobi using Final Cut Pro 10

Communications & Web Intern at Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) (2016-05 – 2017-04)

• Managed organizational social media accounts and led website design and updates, improving digital visibility and engagement

Brand Ambassador at Infinix & Nokia (2016-01 – 2017-01)

• Led product awareness and pre-launch marketing campaigns for two major consumer technology brands, building audience engagement ahead of product releases

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Minor in International Business Management – United States International University (USIU) Africa (2013-01 – 2017-12)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education – Serare High School (2009-01 – 2012-12)