Economist – Business Cases & Investment Appraisal at Sodexo, Belfast

Economist – Business Cases & Investment Appraisal

Help shape investment in government estates across Northern Ireland.

• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and performance-related bonus
• Home-based in Northern Ireland, with occasional travel to our Belfast site
• Full UK driving licence essential

Please note: Applicants must be based in Northern Ireland. Due to security clearance requirements, you must have lived continuously in the UK for at least five years. The vetting process can take up to six months.

Job Introduction

Turn economic evidence into decisions that make a difference.

How should public money be invested? Which projects offer the strongest value? And how can economic evidence help shape the future of government estates?

As an Economist at Sodexo, you’ll help answer these questions through analysis, appraisal and clear, practical advice. Working at the intersection of economics, property, construction and estates, you’ll support decisions about how public assets are developed, managed and invested in.

You’ll collaborate with colleagues across estates, finance, policy and programme delivery, helping them understand the costs, benefits and risks of different options. From developing business cases to evaluating outcomes, your work will contribute to investment decisions with a lasting impact.

This is an opportunity to apply your economic expertise in a varied environment, build relationships across professional disciplines and see how your recommendations influence real projects.

What You’ll Do

• Provide economic advice to support estates strategy, investment decisions and programme delivery.
• Develop and review business cases, economic appraisals and evaluations, assessing options and value for money.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative evidence to identify costs, benefits, risks and potential outcomes.
• Translate complex findings into clear reports, briefings and recommendations for senior decision makers.
• Work with colleagues across construction, property, estates, finance and policy to understand project objectives and challenge assumptions.
• Explain uncertainty and trade-offs clearly, helping stakeholders make informed decisions.
• Monitor economic developments across Northern Ireland, the UK and internationally, assessing their implications for investment and estates.
• Evaluate project and programme outcomes, identifying lessons to improve future decisions.
• Contribute to the development of the economic and analytical function.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll combine sound economic judgement with an enquiring approach and the ability to communicate confidently with people from different professional backgrounds.

To be considered, you’ll need:

• A minimum 2:2 degree with Economics as a major component, or a relevant or equivalent qualification accepted by the selection panel.
• At least two years’ post-qualification experience in economic research and analysis, gained within the last ten years.
• Experience working in a construction-related environment.
• Experience producing accurate economic advice, reports, briefings or other analytical outputs for decision makers.
• Strong knowledge of economic principles, appraisal methodologies, evaluation and applied economic analysis.
• The ability to interpret quantitative and qualitative evidence and develop well-supported recommendations.
• Clear communication skills, including the ability to explain economic concepts to people without an economics background.
• Confidence exercising professional judgement where evidence is uncertain or priorities compete.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage several priorities and meet deadlines.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships.

We’d also welcome experience in:

• Developing or quality-assuring business cases, economic appraisals or evaluations.
• Economic modelling, data analysis or economic impact assessment.
• Presenting recommendations to senior leaders, boards or external stakeholders.
• Managing projects, budgets, people or multidisciplinary analytical work.

Why Join Sodexo?

You’ll contribute to meaningful programmes within the built environment, working alongside experienced professionals across economics, construction, estates and finance.

With home-based working in Northern Ireland and a Monday-to-Friday schedule, this role offers flexibility alongside opportunities to collaborate, broaden your experience and develop your career.

Our benefits include:

• Health and wellbeing support: 24/7 Virtual GP access, online wellbeing resources and an Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential personal, legal and financial advice.
• Everyday savings: Retail and lifestyle discounts for you and your family.
• Financial wellbeing: Financial support tools, a competitive retirement plan and death-in-service benefit.
• Career development: Access to learning resources, apprenticeships and development opportunities.
• Additional benefits: Cycle to Work scheme and a paid volunteering day to support a cause that matters to you.

Ready to Make Your Expertise Count?

If you enjoy exploring complex questions, turning evidence into clear advice and helping teams make better investment decisions, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and join Sodexo, where you can thrive in your own way.