Economist

Sodexo Group; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing support

Financial benefits

Career growth

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking an Economist to influence investment decisions in the built-environment arena. You will provide high-quality economic advice for estates strategy and programme decisions, turning data into clear recommendations for senior decision-makers.

You will work with teams across construction, property and finance, applying robust appraisal methods and communicating complex economics in an accessible way. A UK-wide role with NI travel supports security and performance initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Economics or closely related field with a 2:2 or higher.
• 2+ years' post-qualification experience in economic research and analysis in the last 10 years.
• Ability to produce clear economic advice, briefings, reports or analytical outputs for decision makers.
• Strong knowledge of economic principles, appraisal methodologies, evaluation and applied economic analysis.
• Ability to work with quantitative and qualitative evidence and extract insight.
• Excellent communication to explain complex economics to non-economists.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality economic advice to support estates strategy, investment and programme decisions.
• Develop and review business cases, economic appraisals and evaluations.
• Use data and economic evidence to compare options and assess impact.
• Assess costs, benefits, risks and value for money to guide decisions.
• Turn complex analysis into clear briefings and recommendations for senior leaders.
• Stay updated on economic developments in Northern Ireland, the UK and internationally.
• Collaborate with colleagues across construction, property, estates, finance, policy and programme delivery.
• Challenge assumptions and ensure decisions are evidence-based.

Skills

Economic analysis

Economic appraisal methodologies

Data analysis

Communication skills

Policy & decision support

Education

2:2 degree in Economics

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Belfast

Competitive salary, Sodexo Benefits + eligible for UK&I bonus plan

Working Hours:

40

Location:

Belfast

Closing Date:

09/10/2026

Job Category:

UK Government

Job Introduction

• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday - enjoy your weekends!
• Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package and performance-related bonus.
• Home-based role with occasional travel to our Belfast site (NI-based applicants only).
• A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.
• Due to security clearance requirements, applicants must have lived in the UK continuously for a minimum of five years and vetting for this role can take up to 6 months.
• A strong focus on health and wellbeing, with dedicated mental health support.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential personal, legal and financial advice.
• Retail discounts for you and your family through our employee benefits platform.
• Financial wellbeing tools and a competitive retirement plan.
• Cycle to Work scheme to support a healthier commute.
• Paid volunteering day, giving you the opportunity to support a cause that's important to you.

Job Introduction

Make your analysis count!

Are you an experienced Economist looking for a role where your analysis can influence real decisions and deliver tangible outcomes?

Join Sodexo and bring your economic expertise to a unique environment where economics, construction, property and estates come together.

As an Economist, you’ll play an important role in helping shape how government estates are developed, managed and invested in. Your work will help decision makers understand the costs, benefits, risks and opportunities behind major programmes and investment decisions.

This isn’t just about producing analysis and reports. You’ll work alongside project, estates, finance, policy and programme professionals, turning economic evidence into clear advice and practical recommendations that can make a real difference.

What You'll Do

You’ll use your economic knowledge to help teams make confident, evidence-based decisions.

Your role will include:

• Providing high-quality economic advice to support estates strategy, investment and programme decisions.
• Developing and reviewing business cases, economic appraisals and evaluations.
• Using data, research and economic evidence to explore different options and understand their potential impact.
• Assessing costs, benefits, risks and value for money to help identify the best way forward.
• Turning complex analysis into clear, concise briefings and recommendations that senior decision makers can easily understand.
• Keeping up to date with economic developments across Northern Ireland, the UK and internationally, and considering what they mean for investment and estates.
• Working closely with colleagues across construction, property, estates, finance, policy and programme delivery.
• Challenging assumptions constructively and making sure decisions are supported by robust evidence.
• Communicating uncertainty, risks and trade-offs clearly so stakeholders can make informed choices.
• Supporting the evaluation of projects and programmes and identifying lessons that can improve future decisions.
• Contributing to the continued development of the economic and analytical function.

You’ll have the opportunity to see your work move beyond the spreadsheet or report and contribute to decisions that affect real projects, investment and public assets.

What You'll Bring

We’re looking for someone who combines strong economic thinking with commercial awareness, curiosity and excellent communication skills.

You’ll bring:

• A minimum 2:2 degree with Economics as a major component, or a relevant/equivalent qualification accepted by the selection panel.
• At least 2 years’ post-qualification experience in economic research and analysis, gained within the last 10 years.
• Experience producing clear and accurate economic advice, briefings, reports or analytical outputs for decision makers.
• Strong knowledge of economic principles, appraisal methodologies, evaluation and applied economic analysis.
• The ability to work confidently with quantitative and qualitative evidence and turn it into meaningful insight.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex economic concepts to people who aren’t economists.
• The confidence to use professional judgement and make evidence-based recommendations where there may be uncertainty or competing priorities.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines without compromising quality.
• Experience working in a construction-related environment.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues across different professional disciplines.
• A genuine interest in how economic analysis can improve investment decisions and outcomes.

Experience that would be an advantage

It would be great if you also have experience in:

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

Why Join Us?

At Sodexo, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your career while working on meaningful, high-profile programmes within the built environment.

You’ll work with experienced professionals across economics, construction, estates, finance and programme delivery, giving you a broad perspective and the opportunity to build your professional network.

You’ll also have access to:

• Wellbeing Support – Unlimited online resources, a free health app with 24/7 virtual GP, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial Benefits – Discounts for you and your family, salary finance support, retirement plan, and a death-in-service benefit.
• Career Growth – Apprenticeships, learning tools and development opportunities.
• Work Perks – Cycle to Work Scheme, volunteering opportunities, flexible work, full training and a protective uniform.

Ready to make your expertise count?

If you’re an Economist who wants to use your expertise to influence investment decisions, work alongside built-environment professionals and see your analysis make a real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Sodexo and thrive in your own way.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.