For Marichu K. Cruz, Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), true HR leadership lies in striking a delicate balance: empathy and structure, compassion and compliance. This philosophy has not only shaped her leadership style but has also driven her impact across multiple divisions of Cosmetique Asia Corporation.
“Lead with heart, serve with discipline, and build with purpose,” Cruz shared in an exclusive interview with Financial Adviser PH. It’s a principle she’s carried through every promotion, every policy, and every person she’s guided.
HR at the Frontlines of Manufacturing
As Senior HR Officer II at Cosmetique Asia Corporation, Cruz has overseen HR operations across several manufacturing plants—each with its own culture, demands, and operational rhythm. She dedicated five years to leading HR at the company’s Cosmetic Plant, ensuring strict regulatory compliance while also championing employee empowerment.
“These plants weren’t just workspaces—they were communities,” Cruz said. “It was important for me to protect the structure but also nurture the people within.”
Her strategic leadership was further tested during the major relocation of CAC’s Foodline division. Tasked with overseeing HR during this massive transition, she not only managed legal and operational adjustments but prioritized employee well-being amid the disruption.
“Transitions like that demand more than technical skill,” she said. “You need to lead with clarity, but also with care. People need to feel safe, valued, and supported—especially during periods of change.”
Compliance With a Human Touch
Cruz’s HR philosophy goes beyond just creating systems—it’s about ensuring that those systems serve people. From conducting plant audits to resolving employee concerns, she has approached every challenge with both precision and compassion.
“I’ve had to navigate labor hearings, disciplinary actions, and compliance reviews,” she shared. “But at every step, I reminded myself that our role in HR isn’t just to enforce—it’s to protect, support, and uplift.”
Her ability to balance policy and empathy has earned her the trust of both employees and executives alike.
Empowering the Next Generation
Cruz also sees mentorship as a core part of her responsibility. From junior HR officers to colleagues across divisions, she invests in developing future leaders who understand that HR is about people—not just processes.
“I want them to feel empowered, to take initiative, and to always remember that behind every policy is a person,” she said.
She works closely with her team to ensure that workplace culture reflects fairness, growth, and shared purpose. Her leadership style centers on listening, coaching, and helping others rise.
Building a Culture Where People Thrive
More than anything, Cruz believes that HR has the power to shape environments where people don’t just survive—but truly thrive.
“HR has evolved. It’s no longer just about administration—it’s about vision,” she emphasized. “We build cultures. We drive values. We create workplaces where people grow not just professionally, but personally.”
At Cosmetique Asia Corporation, this impact is visible not just in the systems she helped build—but in the lives she continues to shape.
